Bob Beneda

Robert Val Beneda, age 85, passed away June 18, 2025 at his home in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Bartos Beneda and Frances Wormwood Beneda of McCook, NE; as well as his brother, Glen Edward Beneda of Lompoc, CA; and sister, LuAnne Beneda Haller of McCook, NE. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Karen Lei Beneda of Stone Mountain, GA; his daughter, Robin Lei Beneda Grimmett (Roger) of Lilburn, GA; and two grandchildren, Nicholas Jeffery Grimmett (Aimee) of Indian Trail, NC, and Samantha Rose Grimmett of Lilburn, GA.
Robert, or as most people called him, Bob, started out as "Baby Boy Beneda". He was born in McCook, Nebraska on February 28, 1940, and came home from the hospital without a name. His sister LuAnne remembered everyone calling him "Baby". He was without an official name for the first 24 days of his life. On March 24, 1940 thirteen family members and friends gathered at the Beneda home to nominate and vote on names. In the end, Robert and Val got the top two spots, so those became his first and middle names.
Bob grew up in McCook, a small town in southwestern Nebraska. His parents worked at the local golf course, so his interest in golf started early. He grew up playing other sports as well including baseball, football, and basketball. He graduated from McCook High School in 1958 and would later be inducted to the McCook HS Hall of Fame in 2009.
Bob's brother-in-law, Rod, set him up on a blind date with Karen Frakes from Trenton, NE who would later become his wife. Together, they welcomed a baby girl, naming her Robin, after her father, Robert. Bob and Karen shared 61 wonderful years of marriage, moving from McCook to Muscatine, and finally to Stone Mountain where they have resided since 1979.
Bob graduated from the University of Nebraska with a B.S. in Civil Engineering 1969. He graduated with a master's degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Iowa. He also received a Value Engineering Certificate from the Army Corp of Engineers. Bob was a well-respected bridge engineer. His designs are visible all over Atlanta and extend throughout the United States.
Bob worked as a structural engineer for Stanley Consultants (Muscatine, IA), Parsons Brinckerhoff (Atlanta, GA), and other firms in the Atlanta area. He retired from MARTA (Atlanta, GA) but continued Structural Engineering consulting for other firms. He served as a mentor to many young engineers during his career and throughout his retirement, which meant a great deal to him. Through his work in structural engineering, Bob will leave a lasting impact on the world such as the design of the New Talmadge Bridge in Savannah, GA or the water conveyance system built to bring clean water to Amman, Jordan. Perhaps his most unique project was the 5th Street Bridge in Atlanta, GA on the Downtown Connector which won 2 awards from the Pre-cast Concrete Institute for Best Sustainable Design and Best No-Highway Bridge.
He enjoyed golfing and had the privilege of playing at some of the best golf courses in the world including Pebble Beach in California, St. Andrews in Scotland and Sandhills Golf Course in Mullins, NE. He also enjoyed fishing, reading, grilling, and playing the tenor saxophone. He particularly liked jazz music. Bob shared his love of music with his friends and family and inspired his daughter and both of his grandchildren to start playing their own instruments. He always supported his teams, even if they were on a losing streak. Bob was a huge fan of Nebraska Football, the Atlanta Braves, and the Atlanta Hawks.
Bob wished for his ashes to be spread on the old Country Club golf course in McCook, NE. There will be a private memorial service held at Memorial Park in McCook, NE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Karen in support of the First Tee program for junior golfers.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.