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John Benke Obituary
September 2, 1952 – April 5, 2024
SAWYER - John Edward Benke of Sawyer passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Corewell Health South in St. Joseph with his loving family by his side.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 9550 Church Street, Bridgman, with Rev. Dr. Douglas Krengel officiating. Friends may meet with the family from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. Memorial contributions may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences at www.PikeFH.com
John was born on September 2, 1952 in Benton Harbor to the late Arnold and Mary (Hedges) Benke. On August 9, 1980 he married the former Catherine Carson. In 1987 he bought the family business, A. Benke & Son Excavating. He loved the work he did and he loved his customers. Throughout the years John and Cathy spent time camping with family and friends in their motorhome. They also enjoyed classic cars, the latest a 1971 Chevelle. John played softball and bowled, receiving two 300 game and one 299 game rings. He later began playing golf, often with Ashley and friends.
John's family was very important to him. Survivors include his wife of 43 years: Catherine; a daughter: Ashley (Joshua) Carlson; his only grandson, who was the light of his life: Asher Carlson; his sister: Patricia (Harold) Heyn; and a brother: Mike (Sue Schmidt) Benke.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Benke
2 Entries
Belinda and Eric Shriver
April 12, 2024
We were so sad to hear about Johnny's passing. He was always so much fun to chat with, and always so interested in everything a person had to say! He was a good Benke, through and through.
My favorite memory of Johnny is from long ago, when Sawyer had a monster snowstorm overnight. I was walking to work at the Post Office since I couldn't get the car out, and down at the corner Johnny was coming along with the front-end loader to go plow out the grocery store or something. He slowed down and told me to "hop on!" and so I rode to work in style, sitting in the bucket in front.
Cathy, Ashley, Patty and Mike, we're so sorry for your loss.
Dean Vallas
April 11, 2024
May eternal be his memory.
Dean Vallas
Harbert Woods.
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Memorial Events
for John Benke
Apr
10
Funeral services provided by:
Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106
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