Benecke Donald

Donald D. Benecke, 88, of Napoleon, Ohio died Friday, April 13, 2012 at CHP Inpatient Hospice in Defiance, Ohio. Don was born March 21, 1924 in Defiance County to the late Edelbert and Frieda (Arps) Benecke. He graduated from Ridgeville High School in 1942, served in the Navy during World War II, and then returned to the family farm. He married Evelyn Lange at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Okolona on April 8, 1951 and farmed until his retirement in 1989. Farming continued to be his passion even after retirement as he watched and helped his son Mike who took over the farm. He served as director and past president of the Ohio Cattleman's Association and director of the Ohio Beef Marketing Board. Don was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church Adams Ridge Road where he served as president, deacon, trustee, and elder. He was a member of Ward L. Adams American Legion Post 454, a ten-year advisor to the Ridgeville Go-Getters 4H club, and a decades-long board member of the Ridgeville Telephone Company where he served as president for 13 years.In his younger years, Don was a square dance caller for 5H and other organizations, and he enjoyed working with youth. Later in life, he relished watching his children and grandchildren in music and sports activities. Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Evelyn; his sons Larry (Wendi) of San Marcos, CA; Tom of Toledo; Dave (Colleen) of Columbus; and Mike (Mary Ann) of Ridgeville Corners; and his daughter Mary Ann (Chic) Cunnigan of Westerville; as well as grandchildren Chad (Lisa) and Megan Cunnigan; Ryan, Kyle, and Paige Benecke; Lyndon and Annie Benecke; step grandson Aaron Kovac of Phoenix; and step grand children AJ and Talia Kovac. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Charles (Vaneda) Benecke. Visitation will be at Rodenberger Fueral Home, Napoleon on Monday, April 16 from 2:00 to 8:00pm and Tuesday, April 17th from 10-11 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Adams Ridge Road with the funeral service to be held at 11:00am.Memorials may be given to the Bethlehem Church Building Fund, the Defiance CHP Inpatient Hospice, or a charity of the donor's choice.

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Benecke Donald

April 13, 2012