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Donald Benecke Obituary
Passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 13, 2014. He was born on November 21, 1947 in St. Paul, MN, the youngest of eight children. Greg suffered a massive stroke on March 22, 2014 and fought a courageous uphill battle through countless therapy and rehabilitation sessions. He was loved and encouraged by a wonderful support system during his recovery process. Greg is survived by his three children: daughter, Roxanne Benecke of Torrance, CA, daughter, Tracy Benecke Schumann of Redding, CA and son, Gregory Benecke of Star, ID; daughter-in-law, Shannon Benecke of Star, ID; two grandchildren, Ashley Schumann and Nicholas Schumann of Redding, CA; former spouse, Linda Benecke of Lawndale, CA; brother, Gerald Benecke and sisters, Gloria Bladel and Mary Smith. Greg was also loved and admired by many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces. He found endless joy in recounting the additions to the "it's just too big" family.
Through the years Greg became affectionately known as 'Poppy', his grandchildren's nickname for him. His grandchildren, Ashley 'baby girl' and Nicholas 'the big guy' were the light of his life and he will always be in their hearts.
Greg was a lifelong fan of the LA Dodgers and San Francisco 49ers. Although the stroke left Greg unable to speak, he could still sing. On Thanksgiving Greg sang the national anthem at the start of the 49ers game; this will always be a cherished memory for his family.
Greg served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. He took great pride in his Veteran's license plate and commented often that the numerical sequence on it was only a year short of his actual service.
Family and friends who knew Greg will remember him as a kind and sentimental man with a generous heart and a warm smile. He was loved by many and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Greg will be cremated and a celebration of Greg's life will be hosted by his family in 2015. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Benecke
Sponsored by Roxanne, Tracy and Gregory.
December 31, 2014
Rest in peace, Greg. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. John & Cheryl Voelz
Ken and Jeri Ledenbach
December 30, 2014
Your sudden passing has left a hole in many hearts that were hoping for your recovery. We are glad to have shared a hamburger and beer with you at Island's in honor of your birthday and to have seen you on Thanksgiving Day. You have left us a collection of wonderful memories. We will always miss you. Rest well in Eternity.
Tammy Nutter
December 29, 2014
Greg has been a family friend for my whole life. He always joked about changing my diapers when I was small. That was always a good laugh for him! Bubba, I am so sorry you are gone. I know you gave it your best. We will miss you and love you forever. Tracy, Gregory and Roxanne, bless you and I hope your memories will help you through this tough time. Linda, you are awesome for being there with Greg. RIP Bubba! Much Love!
Robert Koran
December 29, 2014
I will treasure the time we spent together during your rehab. Lots of tears and lots prayers. Your soul was ready for your next journey. Save me a spot.
December 29, 2014
Sending sincere condolences to his children whom I knew as students at Will Rogers Intermediate School. I'm sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth Lutton
Ashley Schumann
December 28, 2014
Poppy,
I love you so much. You have been a constant support in my life and I will always treasure all of the fun and memorable experiences we've had together. I miss you more than anything.
Love,
Ash
xoxoxo
Dave Cook
December 28, 2014
Greg, you will be missed. I loved trading 'Nam stories with you. Peace my Viet Vet brother.
Gerald "Jerry" Benecke
December 28, 2014
Shirley and I and all of the ". . . too big" Benecke family and many other friends will miss Greg. Our condolence to Roxanne, Tracy, Gregory, Linda and all of their families.
December 28, 2014
RIP Greg. You gave it a valiant fight.
Sandra Piersee
December 28, 2014
My heart and prayers go out to your family at this time. May your father rest in peace.
Tina Mills
December 28, 2014
Uncle Greg was a loving, very caring man who loved his big big family and fought his health battle courageously as did he in Vietnahm. He was the baby of his family of siblings but was a giant brave man in my heart. I will never forget him.
Kate Keegan
December 28, 2014
I did not know you personally, but your light shown through your daughter. She is a wonderful person, and good foundations bring out the best in people. I pray you are soaring high with the angels. Rest in peace and know how much you were loved and will be greatly missed.
Ps say hi to my brother, I told him to look out for you.
Alison Schwartz
December 28, 2014
I will miss you Uncle Greg! You were a great man and I have so many fun memories with you from grandmas house in hawthorne to all the family picnics and of course our family reunions. Love you always ??
Robyn Hunt
December 28, 2014
Uncle Greg, you were and will always be a sweet and compassionate man and loving father. The times we spent with you are always marked by your quiet but grand sense of humor and the twinkle of mischief and love in your eyes. I'm glad that you're no longer suffering. Love you, Uncle.
Margie Martin
December 28, 2014
Uncle Greg, I will always remember you for caring about family. Also, putting up with my friends when grandpa made you take us to school. I love you and miss you! I am sure all our family members in heaven are having a celebration of there own. R.I.P Uncle
Rick Hall
December 28, 2014
You were always a part of our Family Greg. We will always remember the good times in the Desert, and all of the Party's at the Halls. You will be missed. Love and condolences to All of the Family. Rest in Peace Bubba..
richard koran
December 28, 2014
You will be missed by all of us Uncle Greg. I Love You Uncle. Rest in Peace.
December 28, 2014
WE SPENT ALOT OF YEARS TOGETHER DOING CRAZY THINGS.YOU WERE A TRUE FRIEND.MISS YOU.CHUCK HALL
Tracy Schumann
December 28, 2014
You were an awesome Dad and Poppy. I have so many treasured memories of you and so much to be thankful for. You will always be in my heart and forever part of my life. I love you. xoxo
December 28, 2014
You fought a courageous battle Uncle Greg, rest in peace. We love you, Herb and Kim
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