Stephen Paul Benda, 71, passed away May 3, 2024. He was born to the late Michael and Mary Frances Benda on February 28, 1953 in San Diego, California. He was preceded in death by his sister Alison Benda. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen Benda; his son and daughter-in-law Wynter and Shannon Benda; his daughter and son-in-law Helena and Jonathan Navarro; his son Austin Benda; his grandchildren, Adelé, Flannery, Kennedy, Isla, Rowan, Jude and Azélie; his niece Hamilton Cerrone; his sisters Andrea and Leslie Benda; and his brother and sister-in-law Michael D. Benda, Jr. and Bridget Duffy.
Stephen was a servant of God. He offered every moment of his life as a living sacrifice to his family, friends, and the Church. As a renaissance man, he lived each day as a work of art. He composed his life through the mediums of fine woodworking, praise and worship of God through music, study of the catechism and great spiritual works, and the contemplation of the love of Christ through daily prayer which included devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, the rosary, and a personal consecration to Jesus through Saint Joseph.
Stephen worked as a Senior Estimator at Premier Millwork and Lumber Company for 45 years. He sang in the choir and cantored at Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Church. He sponsored and educated adults seeking to enter the Church through R.C.I.A. He enjoyed the fraternity of brothers in the Men of Faith and Exodus 90. His earthly life was built on the foundation of his marriage to Gretchen Marie Benda, whom he loved dearly. For 51 years, they have showered their children and grandchildren with unconditional love. For generations to come, the love they shared and the family they created will serve as a living testament to the grace of God and the fundamental role of the family in God’s divine plan for His Church.
Stephen Paul Benda lived a life of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. He leaves his family a legacy of faith, hope, and love; the greatest of these was his love. We will see him again, when we see Jesus.
The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home on Thursday, May 9, 2024. A Mass will be held at Saint Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park.
“The command I give you is this: love one another.”
John 15:17
