Charles H. "Charlie" Benda

1930 - 2018

Charles H. "Charlie" Benda
PEKIN - Charles H. "Charlie" Benda, 88, of Pekin passed away at 12:37 a.m. Sunday, July 1, 2018, at his home.
Charlie was born on May 17, 1930, in St. Louis, MO, to Joseph J. and Frances (Dittrich) Benda. He married Gloria Bauer on April 24, 1954, in St. Louis, MO.
Preceding in death are his parents and one brother, Joseph Benda.
Surviving are his wife, Gloria of Pekin; two sons, Joseph (Bonita) Benda and Stephen (Sharon) Benda, both of St. Louis; one daughter, Kathleen Benda of Pekin; three granddaughters; one step-grandson; one step-granddaughter; and one sister, Dolores (Clarence) DeGonia of Granite City, IL.
Charlie was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War. He then worked as a pattern maker for area pattern shops. He was also a part-time driver for Bond Eye Associates.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and volunteered as an escort for Pekin Hospital.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Michael Andrejek as celebrant and Deacon Ernie Whited as homilist. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date at Park Lawn Cemetery in St. Louis.
Charlie's arrangements have been entrusted to Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of St. Francis – Immaculate Conception Convent, 2408 W. Heading Ave. Peoria, IL 61604; or TAPS, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.hendersonfuneralcare.com.