Frederick W. ""Fred"" Benck

MADISON -- Frederick ""Fred"" W. Benck, age 85, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, died surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, October 9, 2010. Fred was born February 23, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, son of William and Elizabeth (Wittmer) Benck. He married Thelma L. (Sal) Clark on June 2, 1946 in Grant Park, IL, where they met in high school. Their month-long honeymoon was the beginning of a life-long passion for travel.

Fred enlisted in the US Navy in 1942 and was trained as a radio operator while living in Madison, WI at Camp Randall. He served as a radio operator on a LST in both the Normandy Landing and the Pacific Theater of WWII. Fred worked for Joyce Beverage Company (7Up), retiring from an executive position after 30 years. Fred and Sal loved to travel, taking many trips to Europe and within the United States, where they often incorporated their love of golf into their vacations. One of Fred's proudest achievements was his ""6-handicap status"" in golf. After retirement, Fred and Sal enjoyed the company of their children and their eight grandchildren. He especially cherished the time he spent with his family, and his grandchildren were the light of his life. Fred was a devout Christian and a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church. He was truly a wonderful, caring, compassionate person.

Fred was a loving father of four children. He is survived by his four children, David (Jeanne) Benck, Madison, Daniel (Kelly Murray) Benck of Salt Lake City, UT, Bonnie (Gil) Jevne, Madison, Elizabeth (Larry) Schmitz, Middleton; grandchildren Austin, Andrew, Erica, Collin, Jeffrey, Jesse, Amy and Aaron. Fred is also survived by many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, who were very dear and special to him. Fred was preceded in death by his loving wife, Thelma ""Sal"" Benck, parents, and brothers Paul and Walter Benck.

A visitation and luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at MOUNT OLIVE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 110 N. Whitney Way, Madison from 12 to 2 PM with a memorial service immediately following. A gravesite military honors ceremony will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Road, Madison, after the church service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Fred's name to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center or to Mount Olive Lutheran Church. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at both the William S. Middleton VA Hospital and the HospiceCare Center.