passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Wisner Care Center
Al was born June 24, 1933 in Wahoo, Nebraska to Jim and Agnes 'Cermach' Benes. He grew up in the Fremont area and graduated from Fremont High School in 1953. Al decided to become a heavy equipment operator for Schlueter Construction, then later an assembly worker at Valmont. In May of 1955, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Manheim, Germany, as a heavy equipment operator to remove artillery after the war and served until July of 1958. Upon returning to the states, Al attended auto and diesel mechanic school at Milford. After graduation, he was hired by Diers Ford as a specialist in tune-up and automatic transmissions. He later started his own business, ''Al's Auto and Truck Service'' at the Texaco station. After attending auctioneer school, he also had Al's Auction there as well. Al attended Law Enforcement Training to become a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Dodge County and a Police Officer for Valley Police Department. For over 30 years, Al was employed at the Scribner Motor Plex as a race car technician and security guard, plus he mowed part-time for Hurst Lawn Service. He was employed full-time for Walmart for 19 years until his retirement, then drove vehicles for Gene Steffy's Chrysler Motors and enjoyed seeing all the new cars. Al thoroughly enjoyed attending the grandchildren's sporting events, taking them fishing and playing ball, as well as, traveling and telling humorous stories to make everyone laugh.
Al was married and had a daughter, Michelle. On September 15, 2001 he married Charlotte Hurst of Fremont. He was a member of First Lutheran Church and later attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Survivors include his wife Charlotte; daughter, Michelle Steele of Hooper, step-children Mike (Deb) Hurst of Blair, Steve Hurst of Fremont and Christine (Erik) Haluzak of Corvallis, OR. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Dwayne Andersen of Tekamah, step sisters-in-law LaRue Lahvic of Scottsdale, AZ.; and Diann (Greg) Bergt of Omaha; nine step-grandchildren, two step great grandchildren, niece Vicky (Larry) Elliott, nephews Clint (Vicky) Andersen and Larry (Kim) Andersen. Al was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sylvia Andersen.
The funeral will be 10:30am, Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fremont, the Rev. Ryan Ankersen will officiate. Military Honors will be presented at the church. Burial will be in the Blair Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday from 3pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Memorials are suggested to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Cancer-for-Kids.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(2)
Mike & Anne Carlson
Greensboro, NC Tuesday, March 7, 2023 We were so sorry to read about Al's passing. Charlotte, know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.Kristie Boysen
Fremont, NE Sunday, March 5, 2023 Dearest Charlotte, Vicki, and family,I am so sorry for the loss of this great man. I was blessed to have spent time with him for the past 19 months. I loved his sense of humor and kindness. My husband was very close to him and visited every week or every other and when he’d get to the care center he would send me a text telling me how ornery Al was that day, to which I would always reply ‘we like it when he’s that way’.
He will be greatly missed. He was a one of a kind guy.
I am rejoicing for Al as he is with our gracious, loving Lord, but extremely sad for those of us left behind.
‘We grieve but not as those who have no hope’…we will see him again…just not yet.
Much love ❤️