Born October 30, 1934 to John and Vera (Chiara) Benassi, he married Donna Bailey on August 14, 1954 in Pekin. She died February 5, 2006. He married Claudia Walker on August 21, 2010 at Lake Wee-ma-tuk. She survives.
Also surviving are two children, Steven (Angie) Benassi of North Pekin and Gayle (Chad) Howell of Pekin; two step-children, Alan Woerly of Macomb and Monica Murphy of Frankfort, three grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; one step-grandson; several great-grandchildren and one sister, Joann Doss of Pekin.
He was preceded by his parents, one child, Victor Benassi and one sister, Phyllis Cecil.
Michael worked as a shipper in the wire mill at Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 40 years, retiring in 1995.
He loved playing cards, fishing, hunting and bowling. After retiring, he enjoyed working in his garden.
His graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2022 at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Pastor Chris Clark will officiate. There will be no visitation.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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