On January 31, 1939, Gene was married to Lillian McCormick. She preceded him in death in 1987. He was also preceded by a daughter Tanis (Pinkerton) Faltin in 1996, and by 3 sisters and 4 brothers.
Survivors: daughter - Connie and husband Bill Miller of Arlington
2 sons - Russ and wife Stephanie Benjamin of Fremont
Michael Benjamin of Fremont
7 grandchildren - John and wife Sharon Pinkerton, Joe and wife Terrie Pinkerton
Kris Westlake, Tim and wife Jean Miller, Bryan Benjamin
Tom and wife Jennie Benjamin, Darcy Benjamin and special friend Edgar
18 great grandchildren
8 great great grandchildren
sister Karen Schwartz of Johnston, Colorado
brother - Larry Benjamin of Fremont
2 special nieces - Tammy Valla and family
Debby Gerch and family
brother-in-law - Jerry Jensen of North Bend
childhood friend - Richard Bales of Fremont
The funeral service will be 10:30 Tuesday (Nov. 23rd) at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Matt Knopf officiating. The committal will follow in Ridge Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered by the Fremont Honor Guard of American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854. Memorials are suggested to Low Income Ministry, Salvation Army's Christmas Adopt a Family, and First Lutheran Church.
Visitation will be today (Monday, Nov. 22, 2010) at the Ludvigsen Mortuary, Fremont, from 2 to 8 PM, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 PM.
Gene's family wants to thank A.J. Merrick Manor Unite 2 staff, especially the nursing staff, and a thank you also to the staff of the Pathfinder House.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(12)
Penny Dehner
Chillicothe, OH Thursday, November 25, 2010 Mike, Russ and Connie; I am so sorry to hear of Mr. B's passing. I just heard (11/25). Mr. B. has meant a great deal to our family (the Pelikan's) over the years. Mr. B was always a part of our lives and our parent's lives. Just wanted you all to know how special he was to all of us. A consistant and constant friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow!. Penny (Pelikan) and Bob DehnerDave and Christy Newill
Fremont, Ne Tuesday, November 23, 2010 Deepest Sympathy to each of you. Hold your memories in your heart forever. Our thoughts are with you.LARRY VERBEEK
HAMILTON, MO Tuesday, November 23, 2010 SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD RUSS,BEEN A LONG TIME BUT STILL REMEMBER BASEBALL DAYS. BALDYDave Bauers
Fremont, NE Monday, November 22, 2010 My sincere sympathy to Gene's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God bless you all.Amanda Duncan
Scribner, NE Monday, November 22, 2010 I helped to take care of Gene at Pathfinder House on overnights. He was such a caring, happy man. I would often see him throughout the night and he always had a smile and a happy to see you. He always made my night with his stories and humor!! He will be missed dearly. All his family is in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.Billie Jo Schwanke-Schriner
Bennet, Ne Monday, November 22, 2010 I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Gene's passing . My thoughts & prayers are with you. I am so sorry I could not be with you in person but you are in my heart. God bless you all.Denny Verbeek
Gatesville, TX Monday, November 22, 2010 Russ, sorry to hear your Dad passed away. Always remembered him from the days we played little league baseball together. He was a very good man and will be missed by those that knew him.Marilyn Jessen
Fremont, NE Monday, November 22, 2010 To all of you. My thoughts and prayers. He was always so happy and always had to kid you a little. Enjoyed visits with him at Merrick Manor. Delbert thought an awful lot of Gene. He will be missed.He is with the Lord now and is at peace. Take care and God Bless.Sister Mary Lalemant Pelikan,rsm (Sister Jenny)
Lubbock, Tx Wednesday, November 24, 2010 Mike, Russ, & Connie, Your Dad was a real prince of a man. Both my brother Joe & his 1st wife Zora Mae, and I loved him dearly. After your mom, Lillian, died, they used to put the small TV at the kitchen table in the "empty place", to cover up the fact that she wasn't able to be there with them to play cards -- usually "Michigan Rummy". Every time I drove up to see them, they would invite your dad, and we all 4 played together. I think I was as proud as he was when he told me about his trip to Washington,DC with other WWII veterans, several years ago, and couldn't help but think it should have come a lot sooner as a recognition of the selfless service he and others gave! I have one special souvenir of your dad: a gold "President's Dollar" in a plastic case he gave me a couple of years ago when Joe & I visited him in Fremont, after Joe had moved to Omaha, and I do treasure it. Jim & Jeanne Pelikan, Joe's youngest son, called me to let me know Gene had gone home to his Maker and his Lillian. I was saddened, but glad to know he is no longer suffering or pining...Karen and Michelle Schwartz
Johnstown, CO Monday, November 22, 2010Jerry & Pam Anderson
Nixa, MO Tuesday, November 23, 2010 We send our Prayers and Hugs to you. He suffers no more and we can be glad for that. You have so many great memories with your Dad. We always remember how he enjoyed those Reunions and would talk about them. God be with you and your family.Michael J Pelikan
Omaha, NE Tuesday, November 23, 2010 Mike, Russ, and Connie: Your parents were a very special part of my parent's life. After your Mom died your dad became a very important part of our family. You have my deepest sympathy. Mike Pelikan