Eugene Benjamin

Eugene E. "Gene" Benjamin, 87, of Fremont died Friday, Nov. 19, 2010, at A.J. Merrick Manor in Fremont.

Gene was born Sept. 20, 1923, in Fremont to Charles and Eunice (Poole) Benjamin. He had been a lifetime resident here. He began his working career as a driver for Coca-Cola. Then, he contracted with the Burlington Truck Line for several years before working for Hanson Transfer until retiring in 1985. From 1989 to 2001, he and his sons operated ERM, a computer recycling company in Fremont. Gene served in the U.S. Army during the World War II years of 1943 to 1945. He saw duty in Europe and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He was member of Company 'C' of the 555th AAA Battalion, and for many years, had enjoyed attending their annual reunion in various places in the country.

Gene was a past officer of the Izaak Walton League, and member and past president of the Fremont Coin Club. He had also been a Little League baseball coach. Gene was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church, having served on the church council and various committees. He also had been an usher there for many years.

Gene married Lillian McCormick on Jan. 31, 1939. She preceded him in death in 1987. He also was preceded by a daughter, Tanis (Pinkerton) Faltin in 1996, and by three sisters and four brothers.

Survivors include: a daughter, Connie (and husband, Bill) Miller of Arlington; two sons, Russ (and wife, Stephanie) Benjamin and Michael Benjamin, all of Fremont; seven grandchildren, John (and wife, Sharon) Pinkerton, Joe (and wife, Terrie) Pinkerton, Kris Westlake, Tim (and wife, Jean) Miller, Bryan Benjamin, Tom (and wife, Jennie) Benjamin and Darcy Benjamin (and special friend, Edgar); 18 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Karen Schwartz of Johnston, Colo.; a brother, Larry Benjamin of Fremont; two special nieces, Tammy Valla and family and Debby Gerch and family; brother-in-law, Jerry Jensen of North Bend; and childhood friend, Richard Bales of Fremont.

The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church in Fremont with the Rev. Matt Knopf officiating. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today at Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery in Fremont. Military honors will be rendered by the Fremont Honor Guard of American Legion Post 20 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 854.

Memorials are suggested to Low Income Ministry, Salvation Army's Christmas Adopt a Family and First Lutheran Church.

Gene's family wants to thank A.J. Merrick Manor Unite 2 staff, especially the nursing staff, and a thank you also to the staff of the Pathfinder House.

An online guest book may be signed at www.ludvigsenmortuary.com.