Benny Elroy Heiden was born on August 30, 1930 in Vernon Township, Isabella County, Michigan. He was the fourth child of Lewis and Zina (Robinson) Heiden.

He served in the 11th Marine Field Artillery unit in Korea. From 1949 to retirement in 1982, Benny worked at Fisher Body, General Motors in Lansing, Michigan.

On November 28, 1953, he married Colleen Theresa Nurenberg. They had three boys and three girls. Colleen worked as a secretary at Pewama-Westphalia High School and the State of Michigan.

Benny died on September 23, 2022 at home in Westphalia, Michigan. He was 92 years old. Colleen who was born on June 14, 1932 passed away at the age of 91 on September 23, 2020.