John F. Benedict

JOHN FRANK BENEDICT, 92, of Highland, IN passed away Friday, August 5, 2016 at William J. Riley Memorial Residence, Munster, IN, surrounded by family. John will be remembered most for his love and enjoyment of family. He often remarked that the years raising his children were “the best times.” He loved the outdoors, and shared that love with his children, taking them on many fishing and camping trips. He will also be fondly remembered for his love of old Country Western music and his wonderful voice, crooning along with his favorite songs. He could always be counted on to recite his many Limericks again and again. John Frank Benedict was born September 5, 1923 to Moses and Pauline (Nagy) Benedict in Griffith, IN. The family, including his three brothers, Moses, Alex, and Julian (Jay) and eight sisters, Marie, Pauline, Wilma, Rose, Catherine, Gloria, Eva, and Helen, resided on a small farm. John was a World War II Veteran, serving his time as a combat engineer in Europe during the Normandy invasion. He was recently decorated with the French Legion of Honor Medal for his unit’s participation in helping to liberate France from Nazi Germany.

After returning from his wartime duties, John joined the #150 Operating Engineers, of which he remained an active member for 45 years. On May 5, 1951, John married Anna Pondusa. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. John is survived by his wife Anna and their children; John (Linda) of Beaver Dam, WI, Daniel (Janice) of Highland, IN, Ronald (Melissa) of Wake Forest, NC, Anthony (Shelley) of Plymouth, WI, and Andrea (Dwayne) Brown of Highland, IN, as well as his sister, Pauline Iliff of Lowell, IN. John is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, seven of his sisters, and his daughter, Helen Pukoszek. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 9, 2016, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm (prayer service 6:00 pm) at Kuiper Funeral Home, Highland, IN. Funeral service will be Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at Our Lady of Grace Church, Highland, IN, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 am, followed by services. Burial will take place at Memory Lane Cemetery, Schererville, IN, with Military Honors. Please visit: www.kuiperfh.com.