Bruce Benschoter has passed from the effects of COVID-19 on January 11. Throughout a long career, Benschoter held a number of senior positions in the grain industry and served in a variety of volunteer roles with industry associations, including TEGMA.
TEGMA President Bob Petersen said the organization was saddened to learn of the passing of industry leader.
“Bruce was truly one of a kind," says Petersen. "And in his day was a force of nature – he was full of energy and he was a doer, he got things done. He represented the industry and TEGMA on many occasions. We could always count on him.”
Bruce Benschoter began his career in 1960 with The Pillsbury Company and later joined Vanice Grain in Omaha as president of the firm.
When Bunge Corp. acquired Lauhoff Foods and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vanice Grain, Benschoter became vice president and Southwest Regional manager for Bunge. After retiring from Bunge, he joined Farmland Industries, holding a number of senior positions in the Grain Division.
When Archer Daniels Midlands acquired Farmland’s Grain Division, Benschoter served as general manager of the joint venture, ADM-Farmland. He retired from ADM in 2005. He then joined DeBruce Grain where he assisted with special projects. He served as chairman of TEGMA in 2000-2001.
"I first met Bruce in the mid 1980’s," says Mark Huston, director, North American Transportation, Louis Dreyfus Company. "He was one of the individuals that was instrumental in guiding our industry thru evolving times in the 80s and 90s that we enjoy the benefits of today. Bruce was a mentor to many, myself included, in this industry. He was not selfish of this time or knowledge and was always there to lead and guide whenever needed. He was a good friend of so many. We will miss his smile, quick wit and his never ending kindness. Our sorrow and prayers go out to his family, Pat, Gib and Tammy. We all have lost a good friend."
Information on services is pending.
About TEGMA
The Transportation, Elevator & Grain Merchants Association (TEGMA) is a North American trade association focused on business and operational issues. Its members include grain shippers, receivers and rail carriers.
