Rudolph John Beneke
Born: May 4th, 1928
Died: July 27th, 2011
Obituary
Mr. Rudolph "Rudy" John Beneke, 83, of Springfield, Illinois, and formerly of West Burlington, died at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. Born May 4, 1928, in Palmer, Iowa, he was the son of Earnest A. and Alice M. Peterson Beneke. On June 16, 1956, he married Alma Marie Harris in Waterloo. Rudy received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Iowa in 1953 in General Sciences with emphasis in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry. He received his teaching certificate from The University of Northern Iowa in 1955, and his Master of Arts in Science and Education from Colorado State College in 1959. Prior to moving to Burlington, Rudy worked as a Biologist with the Iowa Conservation Commission, and taught High School in Keota, IA, Savanna, IL, Galva, IL, and Charles City, IA. Mr. Beneke was a Biology instructor at Southeastern Community College for 30 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member of First Christian Church, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, National Education Association, Iowa State Education Association, and Des Moines County Retired School Personnel. Survivors include his wife, Alma Beneke of Springfield, Illinois; one son, Brian J. Beneke (Lena); grandson, Vitali J. Beneke also of Springfield, and one nephew, Dr. Stephen Lordon of Salt Lake City. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Lowell, and one sister Lorraine. The graveside funeral service for Mr. Beneke will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, August 1st, in Aspen Grove Cemetery. The Rev. Randy Langner will officiate. Friends may call after 8 a.m. Monday in Lunning Chapel, where the family will receive friends from noon until 1:15 when the procession will leave for the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Native American Heritage Association.