Stephen "Steve" Joseph Benesh
July 11, 1943 - August 18, 2020
Obituary
LODI – Stephen Benesh, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at the University Hospital. He was born on July 11, 1943, the son of Paul and Marcella (Kurt) Benesh. Steve graduated from Lodi High School in 1961. Steve proudly served his country in the US Army. He was united in marriage to Louise Quam on June 11, 1966. They recently celebrated 54 years together. He passionately worked his farm while employed at Oscar Mayer.
Steve was a man of faith. He was genuine, honest, trustworthy, had the unique ability to emit positivity, and be there for family, friends, and neighbors. His integrity, character, and work ethics were second to none. His love for family and friends were evident in everything he did. He enjoyed: wishing others a “Merry Christmas” all year ‘round, wearing his sleeveless shirts, looking for “ring tailed ditch crawlers,” playing cards, eating fish fry, and drinking Korbel® Old Fashions with a smile and laugh that are unforgettable. In short, he inspired others to be a better person.
Steve is survived by his wife, Louise; three daughters, Terri (Russell) Jarchow, Vickie (Michael) McCracken and Beckie (Craig) Schreiber; one son, James (Jessica) Benesh; nine grandchildren; three sisters, Mary (Matt) Ripp, Joan (Ron) Kohn, and Susan (Rodney) Sherwood; and one brother, David (Chris) Benesh. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jean Hein.
A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on, Saturday, August 22, 2020, which will be LIVE STREAMED. Friends and family who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Steve’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com . Due to COVID-19 there will be a drive through visitation at Steve and Louise’s family farm from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2020. The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Lodi EMT. The family would like to thank the first responders as well as the UW Hospital medical staff for their incredible support and compassion.
To view the livestream please visit www.btcatholic.us
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Memories
CS
Carol Statz
Other •
Steve was one of a kind. His humor, his generosity, his spirit made him a force to be reckoned with. He was treasured by our family. Although Steve and Louise were cousins, they were more friends than cousins. Our children all grew up with the Benesh farm being a place of wondrous memories. He will be greatly missed, but those memories we shared over the years will live on through our children sharing the stories of their fun at the farm, the four adults playing Sheepshead way too late on a school night while the kids played games and laid on the living room floor watching movies after having spent the day outside. His infectious laugh and huge smile was contagious as he delighted in his own humor. We are praying for all of the family during this heart wrenching time.
JS
Jim See
Other •
I'm so sorry for your loss Louise, And family. My prayers are with you.
SE
Sarah Evans
Other •
Such a wonderful man who loved his family dearly. Our family feels so lucky to have had the opportunity to know Steve and share many laughs with him. We hold the Benesh family in our hearts and will celebrate Steve’s memory. Sending our love from Las Vegas, the Evans Family
GM
Ginny Miller
Other •
I will always remember Steve with a big smile on his face and a hearty laugh! He was always pranking my brother-in-laws about something and they usually returned the favor. The neighborhood will miss him so much. Louise, we are here if there is anything we can do to help! You have our prayers for you and your family. May God bring you comfort and peace.
CB
Cheryl Bowman
Other •
Wishing all of your our deepest sympathy. I'll remember your dad as always having fun. I'm so sorry you are going through this, and will be thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time. Love you Vickie and Beckie!
Cheryl Bowman
MR
Mike and Jane Rodenschmit
Other •
To Louise and Family. We were very saddened to hear of Steve's passing. You have our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God help you all through this most difficult time. Mike. And Jane Rodenschmit. 🙏🙏