Obituary of Ralph Wayne Beneke

Ralph W. Beneke, 80, of Niles passed away, Monday, April 18, 2022 at his home surrounded by those he cherished. Herman and Bertha (Sill) Beneke welcomed their son, Ralph, August 15, 1941, on a hot summer day in Jones, Michigan. On a trip up north, Carolyn J. Weaver caught Ralph’s eye, and after just a few dates he knew she was the one. On August 25, 1962 at a ceremony in Hannah, Michigan the two wed and recently celebrated fifty-nine years of marriage. Ralph was always a highly skilled carpenter and tradesman. He began his career at Rudy’s in Dowagiac, Michigan before transitioning to Clark Equipment Company where he worked for over twenty-two years until they moved their facilities out of town. His talent and expertise in carpentry made him an excellent fit for J.A. Wagner Construction in Elkhart where he spent the rest of his working career. During the years Ralph selflessly gave his time and talent helping others. During his retirement, Ralph spent countless hours in his barn, where he continued to enjoy carpentry and perfected his scroll sawing abilities making beautiful and exquisite pieces that he shared with many. Clearly a selfless man, Ralph found enjoyment in serving others in any capacity needed. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Carol Zeider, his brothers, Richard Beneke and Wayne Beneke. Surviving Ralph is his wife, Carolyn Beneke of Niles, Michigan his children Laura Beneke (Mike Noppenberger) of Live Oak, Florida, Kim (David) Walter of South Bend, Indiana and Michelle (Kevin) Rems of Mishawaka, Indidana. He will also be greatly missed by his six grandchildren, Brittany (Phillip) Whelan of London, England, Ashley Walter (Andrew VanDieren) of Denver, Colorado, Alexis Rems and Jacob Rems of Mishawaka, In, Jordon Williams of Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Jacob (Tatyana) Shindollar of Lincoln, Nebraska and five great-grandchildren, George, Lillian, Ellison, Ealalie and Easton, and his siblings, Herman (Joan) Beneke III of Dowagiac, Michigan, Daniel Beneke of Decatur, Michigan and Paul Beneke of Decatur, Michigan, all who have many memories they cherish of Ralph. A memorial service to celebrate Ralph’s life will be held at Brown Funeral Home, on Friday, April 22, 2022, at 7 p.m. with a time for visitation beginning one hour prior. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Ralph have been asked to consider Riley Children’s Hospital, 500 North Meridian Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204; Promedica Hospice, 8075 Creekside Dr. # 120, Portage, Michigan 49024; or a charity of one’s choice. “Dear Ole Dad”, “Daddio”, Grandpa, Pop, Sweetheart or any other term of endearment you knew him by - he will be missed for his ability to joke around and fill the room with hearty laughter and his completely unselfish manner. After Ralph was created, the mold was broken and this one-of-kind man will always have a special place in the hearts of those that knew him.