Keith Benesch

Funeral services for Keith F. Benesch will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the United Methodist Church, Albert Lea.  The Reverend Don Malinsky will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 – 7 PM on Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea Area Veteran’s Organizations.

Keith passed away of natural causes at his home on Monday, October 16, 2017.  He was 65 years old.

Keith Frank Benesch was born on September 10, 1952 to Gordon and Phyllis (Smith) Benesch in Albert Lea.  He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1971.  On May 6, 1972, Keith was united in marriage to the love of his life, Darlene (Carlson) at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea.  To this union, the couple was blessed with two children: Jennifer and Tim.

Keith enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country honorably from 1972 to 1976.  After Keith returned from the military, he worked for a few years and then completed two years of vocational school at Riverland.  Keith then worked for Birdseye Foods as a Boiler Operator for over 22 years.

Keith was a lifetime member of United Methodist Church.  He was baptized, confirmed, and married at United Methodist.  In his free time, Keith enjoyed many things.  He liked bicycle riding, motorcycle trips, and always looked forward to fishing and camping with his family.  Keith collected and repaired pocket watches, and had a vast music collection, 60’s and 70’s music being his favorite!  Keith liked to tinker with things, and he could fix anything that was put in front of him.  Above all, Keith was grateful for his wife, children, and grandchildren – and cherished the moments he spent with them.   He can be described as a caring, loving, transparent person that would do anything for anyone, without expecting anything in return.  His grandchildren brought out the best in him, and he enjoyed every moment spent playing with them!

Keith will be sadly missed by his wife of 45 years, Darlene of Albert Lea; mother, Phyllis Benesch; children, Jennifer (Eric) Norgaard of Cottage Grove, Tim (Laura) Benesch of North Mankato; grandchildren, Amber (11), Katelyn (8), Zachary (7), Jonathan (5), and another grandchild on the way; siblings, Kenneth (Linda) Benesch, Janeen Benesch-Storlie, and Jolene (John) Berg; sister in-law, Sue (Brian) Larson; as well as many other loving relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Gordon Benesch; brother, Kevin Benesch; and mother and father in-law, Leo (Audrey) Jensen.

Blessed be his memory.