Alton Walter Benike

Alton Walter Benike Bud, age 78 of Rochester passed away August 15, 2012 after an extended illness. He was born August 31, 1933 in Elgin, MN, the son of Alex & Lenora (Siem) Benike.He served in the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean War. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a lifelong dairy farmer, loved to dance, especially polka, for many years at the Pla-Mor Ballroom.He was an avid Twins and Vikings fan and found pleasure in the simple things of life.His favorite memory as a child on the farm was driving the bundle wagons to and from the threshing machines.He was a very loving father and grandfather and always took time to do things with his family making many memories for them to always cherish.He married Shirley Jenkins on January 3, 1959 and this union was blessed with seven children. They later divorced. Surviving him are his six children: Colleen Hoeft (Gary) of Rochester, Gary Benike (Deborah) of Elgin, Troy Benike (Laura) of Woodbury, Tammy Kappel (Glen) of Eagan, Melodie Benike of Rochester, and Alexis Cress (Leo) of Bloomington;13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren;two sisters, Cordelia Redenbaugh (Floyd) of Rochester, and Joyce Teig (Carol) of Phoenix, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Bruce; his brother Walton, his sister, Arlene Horter ; and his granddaughter, Jeannie. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. , Friday August 17, 2012 at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.Memorials are preferred to American Lung Association. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 507-289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com