Brad Martin Benge, 69, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Ft. Madison.
He was born on March 5, 1957 in Quincy to Charles and Marjorie Nichols Benge. Brad married Julie Ourth in Nauvoo on June 26, 1993. He was a special education teacher for the FMCSD where he also coached High School Drama and retired in 2022 after forty-one years of service. Brad was passionate about the Special Olympics. He was the Director of Southeast Iowa Special Olympics for many years and he and Julie were inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame in 2025. He was also the YMCA Aquatic Director for many years and taught lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid and also was a manager of the Ft. Madison Public Pool; teaching swimming lessons for several years at both facilities. He was very involved with Camp Nauvoo and served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. He and Julie spent countless hours volunteering at camps and he was known for being a great cook for several camps, retreats and potlucks over the years for them. Brad also directed the Passion Play in Nauvoo for several years.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Benge of Ft. Madison; two sons, Skyler and Nathan Benge of Ft. Madison; two brothers, Rick Benge and Chuck Benge of Ft. Madison; brother and sisters in law, Joe (Nancy Hopkins) Ourth of Riverside, IL, Joni (Tim) Finlay of Quincy and Jill (Kelly) Phipps of Lees Summitt, MO; father in law, Lee (Karen) Ourth of Nauvoo; numerous nieces and nephews including his special great nephew, Caleb Carson. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linda Johnson; mother-in-law, Carmen Ourth and sister-in-law, Janie Ourth.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory from 4-6 PM. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 10:30 AM at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory with Elder Todd Batey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Ft. Madison Special Olympics or Camp Nauvoo and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com.
