Bennie 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 was a 1948 graduate of Shepherd High School and served in the 11th Marine Field Artillery unit in Korea. Until his retirement in 1982, Bennie worked at the Fisher Body plant of 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.

Bennie 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.

At the time of his death, he and Colleen had 20 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.