Charles Harry Benda

Charles H. 'Charlie' Benda, 88, of Pekin passed away at 12:37 AM Sunday, July 1, 2018 at his home. Charlie was born May 17, 1930 in St. Louis, MO to Joseph J. and Frances (Dittrich) Benda. He married Gloria Bauer on April 24, 1954 in St. Louis, MO. Preceding in death are his parents and one brother, Joseph Benda. Surviving are: his wife, Gloria of Pekin; two sons, Joseph (Bonita) Benda and Stephen (Sharon) Benda both of St. Louis; one daughter, Kathleen Benda of Pekin; three granddaughters, one step grandson and one step granddaughter; one sister, Dolores (Clarence) DeGonia of Granite City, IL. Charlie was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Korean War. He then worked as a pattern maker for area pattern shops. He was also a part time driver for Bond Eye Associates. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and volunteered as an escort for Pekin Hospital. A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, July 7, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Michael Andrejek as celebrant and Deacon Ernie Whited as homilist. Visitation will be 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Saturday at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date at Park Lawn Cemetery in St. Louis.Charlie's arrangements have been entrusted to Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of St. Francis - Immaculate Conception Convent, 2408 W. Heading Ave. Peoria, IL 61604 or Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane Pekin, IL 61554. Memorial Mass Saturday, July 7, 2018 10:30 AM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Saturday, July 7, 2018 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street Pekin,IL 61554