Kenneth Benac Sr.

Kenneth Joseph Benac, Sr. Kenneth Joseph Benac, Sr., 74, of Hillman, MI, died on December 31, 2015 at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor surrounded by many who held him close to their heart: though no single room could have held them all. He was born on February 19, 1941 to Charles Frederick Sr. and Fidelis Marie (Dice) Benac in Hillman, Michigan, a town which he loved and in which he was much loved. He married Bonnie Elowsky on December 16, 1978 in Alpena, Michigan and both were members of the Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Hillman. After stints as a farmer, a mechanic, road construction, and in cement production, he opened Ken Benac Builders, a business he ran for over 25 years. Anyone who spent time with him knew that he took great pride in pointing out buildings and pole barns which he had designed and constructed. An avid outdoorsman, Ken was a permanent fixture in the woods (always bringing home meat for his family and a new set of antlers) and on a fishing boat in the summer. But nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with family members and making them laugh with his rich and joyous sense of humor. Particularly important was the time he spent with his grandchildren, who always affectionately referred to him as "Pa". To know him was to love him and he will be greatly missed by all. Ken is survived by his wife, Bonnie Benac; sons, Ray (Sue) and Kenny Jr, both of Hillman, Michael of Sturgis, MI, and Eric of Traverse City, MI; daughters, Belinda Benac of Florida, and Kendra (Jason) Barrie of Hillman, MI; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; brothers. Charles Jr (Carol) Benac of Hillman and David (Judy) Benac of South Dakota; and five sisters, Margaret (Calvin) Barton of Lachine; Bonnie (Roger) Frye of Hillman; Linda Benac of Rogers City; Mary (Harry) Davis of Hillman; and Theresa Klein of Hillman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Fidelis; daughter, Linda; sister, Susie; and brothers, William, Raymond, and James. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM (along with viewing from 10-11am) at St Augustine Catholic Church, Hillman, Michigan, Father Michael Conner officiating. Visitation hours will be held at the church on Tuesday evening from 4-9 PM.
An avid outdoorsman, Ken was a permanent fixture in the woods (always bringing home meat for his family and a new set of antlers) and on a fishing boat in the summer. But nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with family members and making them laugh with his rich and joyous sense of humor. Particularly important was the time he spent with his grandchildren, who always affectionately referred to him as "Pa". To know him was to love him and he will be greatly missed by all.
Ken is survived by his wife, Bonnie Benac; sons, Ray (Sue) and Kenny Jr, both of Hillman, Michael of Sturgis, MI, and Eric of Traverse City, MI; daughters, Belinda Benac of Florida, and Kendra (Jason) Barrie of Hillman, MI; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; brothers. Charles Jr (Carol) Benac of Hillman and David (Judy) Benac of South Dakota; and five sisters, Margaret (Calvin) Barton of Lachine; Bonnie (Roger) Frye of Hillman; Linda Benac of Rogers City; Mary (Harry) Davis of Hillman; and Theresa Klein of Hillman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Fidelis; daughter, Linda; sister, Susie; and brothers, William, Raymond, and James.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM (along with viewing from 10-11am) at St Augustine Catholic Church, Hillman, Michigan, Father Michael Conner officiating. Visitation hours will be held at the church on Tuesday evening from 4-9 PM.