In Memory

George Benedict

George Benedict

George Allen Benedict of Winona, MN passed away April 20, 2022, at his home after a prolonged illness.  

George was born on June 8, 1946 in Kenosha to Amelda and John Benedict, Sr.  George was united in marriage to Patricia Ann (Sizemore) on March 21, 1970.  George is survived by his wife, two daughters, Courtney (Tim) Kirchner, Amanda (Justin) Obenauer, and son, John (Suzie) Benedict,  seven grandchildren, with an eighth on the way.  George was preceded in death by his parents, a brother John "Jack" Benedict, Jr. and a sister, Barbard Brubich.

While at Bradford, George participated in football, (earning All Big 8 Conference Honors) and baseball.  George was inducted into the Kenosha High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

George graduated from Winona State University in 1971 with a degree in Physical Education. He later attended Mankato State University earning his Special Education Degree. While at WSU, he played football and baseball.  He was inducted into the Winona State University Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

In 1966, George enlisted in the Army serving two tours of duty in Vietnam with MACV Team 42 and Team 27 military Assistance Command Vietnam as a Radio Operator.  George was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with a Silver Star and a Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal for his military service.  George was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1287 and the Wiinona Purple Heart Chapter #5555.  In 2017, George was honored by the Minnesota Vikings as a "Hometown Hero".  The half time presentation was a highlight of his life.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 16 from 4-7pm at the Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, MN.  A Memorial Service will be on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Central Lutheran Church, Winona, MN with visitation beginning at 10 am.  George will be laid to rest on his birthday, June 8th, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.  The family requests anyone wishing to make a donation in George's name to donate to the Winona Area Hospice.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview, is assisting the family with arrangements.

www.hofffuneral.com



 
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04/27/22 10:18 AM #1    

Roger O. Dubois

I would like to offer my respects and condolences to his family and friends. I played 16-inch softball with George and others on Finney's baseball team at Columbus Park and other diamonds in Kenosha.

I did not know of all of the awards that George was awarded and have great respect for him getting those awards. George was a person who could get others to laugh at themselves and enjoyable to be around. 

I am sorry to see another class member pass but we are ALL getting older and that will become more common for us to see other classmates leave this physical. I know he will be in a better with other loved ones of his and again my deepest sincere thanks for having to know him and that his family will all be together again. My prayers are with him and his entire family and friends.

GOD BLESS George and his entire family.     

Roger DuBois. 


04/27/22 06:00 PM #2    

Wanda R. Burch (Hillmer)

Although I did not know George personally, I remember him well for his great smile.  After reading his obit, it is very apparent that his was a life well lived.  May God give comfort to all of his family.


05/02/22 07:28 PM #3    

Timothy Margetson

Having read the notification of my friend's passing, I went to the class website to read what was important for George to share with us. One entry : Special Education teacher for 32 years. Not the athlete. Not the decorated Vietnam veteran. Someone who gave of himself to help others --for THIRTY TWO years. I have stood in awe of that accomplishment from the first time he told me about it, knowing that it takes someone with a special emotional makeup to be involved that way for so long. 

George moved to the  Lincoln School District  in the summer before 9th grade. We became friends through sports, and walking home from school after practice, talking about so many things, not all of which were related to sports. His goofiness and laughter were infectious. He was always up for some mischief and a good time. 

After High School, we went our separate ways, and came in contact only at the Class Reunions --maybe 4 or 5 times. It didn't matter, because we would always spend a few moments of our getting caught up, remembering back  many years ago. 

I am thankful I had the chance to tell my friend more than once, how proud I was of what he had accomplished in his life's work. He is gone now, but will be remembered with a smile by so many. 


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