Obituary
Guest Book
Steven "George" Roy Beneker, age 69, of Osceola, Indiana, punched out on September 6, 2025, in Mishawaka. Born in Batesville, Indiana, in 1956, Steven lived a life marked by dedication to his family, friends, and community. Steven is survived by his wife, Linda (Westerfeld) Beneker; his son, Joshua (Christie Kline) Beneker; his daughters, Crystal Beneker (Jeffery Cummins) and Britny (Javier) Jimenez; and his grandchildren, Jacob, Abbigale, Melissa, Andrew, Annabelle, and Gabriel. Steven also leaves behind Lucas Carlton, who holds a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his sister, Jeanne (Joseph) Turnpaugh; brother, Keith (Ruth) Beneker; and brother-in-law, David Schantz. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Mabel Beneker; his stepmother, Evelyn Beneker; and his sister, Marilyn Schantz. In his youth, Steven was an accomplished athlete, competing in track, football, and wrestling, and earning a collegiate scholarship for wrestling. A graduate of Indiana University in 1980, Steven's life was enriched by his hobbies, including slow-pitch softball, coaching Little League, and fixing things (especially small engines and bicycles). He was a steadfast, quietly determined man with a passion for hard work and a drive to help others. His unwavering work ethic and generous spirit fostered a deeply close-knit family, a source of great pride for him. A celebration of his life will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Crystal's house. Details or directions can be obtained by contacting the family. Cruz Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with his care.
The family kindly requests that, in lieu of cut flowers, live plants be sent if choosing to send flowers, or memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
To light a virtual candle, share a story of Steven’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.
Disclaimer: All obituaries published by Cruz Family Funeral Home are the intellectual property of Cruz Family Funeral Home. They may not be copied, edited, altered, reproduced, or scraped for use on any other website or platform without explicit written permission. Unauthorized use, duplication, or modification of any obituary content is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1109 Lincolnway West, Osceola, IN 46561
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more