JACKSON — George D. Benda Jr., 83, of Jackson, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, surrounded by his family and wife of 61 years, Jean. Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with Father Jonathan Fasnacht officiating.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, at the church, with a rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service Tuesday, also at the church.

George was born Aug. 28, 1935, in Jackson, Minn. Except for attending college, George lived his entire life in rural Alpha raising a family, farming and participating as an active member of the local community. George’s parents were George D. Benda, Sr. and Evelyn Benda (Eustice). George was baptized at St. Wenceslaus (now Good Shepard) Church in Jackson, where he would later baptize his five children: Jeanne, George III, Ellen, Meg and Matt.

George graduated from Jackson High School in 1953. He then started college at the University of Minnesota, where he proudly joined the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity house. George then graduated from Iowa State University in 1957 with a degree in animal science and a passion for farming and raising livestock.

On June 29, 1957, George married D. Jean Benda (Hickey), whom he met at the Newman Center at Iowa State University, in Sanborn, Iowa. George and Jean made their home in rural Wisconsin township — first living a mile south of his parents and later moving to the family farm known as “Old Acres.” George and Jean spent the rest of their lives at Old Acres, where they taught their children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren the value of hard work and perseverance. George was always up early, accomplishing a half-day of work before breakfast and recharging for the rest of the day with a nap on the floor after lunch.

Old Acres was originally purchased by George’s grandfather, Frank Benda, on Nov. 7, 1901, and is still farmed today by the family. George had a passion for livestock and inherited the cattleman’s spirit from his father. George was president and a National Director of the Minnesota Livestock Feeders Association/Cattlemen’s Association. George built a successful certified Angus herd and purchased, sold and exhibited show cattle throughout the country.

George was active in his community serving as the President of the Jackson County Farm Bureau, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Vocational School Advisory Committee and a member of the Jackson County Park Board.

George was chair of the Jackson County Republicans, worked as a lobbyist at the state and federal level, and ran twice for election as a State Senator.

George was a vocal advocate for the underdog, would always make time to listen to everyone’s stories and relished his role as the family storyteller. He loved to give everyone a hard time with a twinkle in this eye. Little did they know that they were being taught life lessons, to stick up for themselves and learn a sense of accomplishment.

George is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Jeanne (Doug) Whitney, George III, Ellen (Nick) Von Ohlen, Meg (Brad) Freking, Matt (Heather) Benda; grandchildren, Chris and Conrad Whitney, Brandi and Jayma Benda, Ariel (Derek) Barkeim, Cole (Melissa) Von Ohlen, Ben, Will and Thomas Freking and Ashler and Avery Benda; sisters, Kay Waters and Barbara Gantenbein.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Evelyn Benda; sister, Lavonne “Bonnie” Vollmar and her husband Warren “Doc” Vollmar; sister, Farrell Berg and her husband Bob Berg; brother-in-law, John Waters; as well as many other relatives.

Memorials can be made to the Jackson County Fair Board or Good Shepherd Church.

www.osterbergfuneralhome.com

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