Martin Benacker

Martin Benacker, age 89, of South Haven, died Monday, May 15, 2006 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born November 6, 1916 in South Haven, MI to Henry and Ruby (Flory) Benacker. He married Helen Hagerman June 28, 1947 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Martin worked at Everett Piano Company and at Decker Olds Cadillac. Martin served in the Army during World War II. He was a member of the Elks, American Legion, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and a 1939 charter member of the South Haven Yacht Club and the only member to be active continually for 61years. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of South Haven.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Alice Henrietta Pereti.

He is survived by his wife Helen Benacker of South Haven Michigan, and one daughter- Dr. Jean Benacker of Champaign, IL, one granddaughter- Leslie Willis of Champaign, IL., two sisters- Floris “Benny” Irene Johnson of South Haven, Mi., and Iris Adriana Magri of Cottonwood, CA. Also, surviving are nieces-Patsy (David) Eisler and Cecille (Gary) Seeley and one nephew Anthony (Jan) Magri, and two great nieces.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 19, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Memorial services will be Saturday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. John Fisher and Rev. Harold Filbrandt officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Maritime Museum of South Haven; MI or to the Coast Guard Auxillary. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, South Haven. Friends wishing to sign the register online, leave a message for the family, or share a short story about Martin can do so at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.