Bennett Walter Lenkart

Ben was born on August 18, 1934, in Chicago, the son of Benedict W. Lenkart and Eugenie Roges Lenkart. He married Annie Drohner on November 17, 1956, in Chicago.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie; his sons, Larry and Lyle; and his parents.

He is survived by his daughter, Laurel (Walter) Howe of Springfield, IL; grandson, Alex (Alexis) Howe of LaFayette, CO; granddaughter, Maggie Lenkart of Springfield, IL; sister, Jeanne (Wayne) Lundberg of Crest Hill, IL; daughter-in-law, Karen Lenkart of Davenport, IA; and 5 nephews, Chuck, Steve, and Mike Herrmann and Chris and Brian Lundberg, whom he loved much and lied to regularly. He is also survived by three longtime friends, Chuck Taminga, Ron Allen and Dan Troemper, who can share many stories and escapades, most of which are not fit for print.

Ben grew up in Chicago and spent his summers in Twin Lakes, WI, with family and friends, enjoying simple lake life. He graduated from St. Mel’s High School in 1952 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia College. Upon completion, he worked at Variety News in downtown Chicago.

Ben served in the United States Army and also served as a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve.

He was recruited by Illinois Governor Otto Kerner as his personal photographer in 1961, which brought him to Springfield. Ben was a personal photographer for governors Kerner, Shapiro (his favorite), Ogilvie, and Walker. During this time, he experienced the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago, which was an historical event.

Ben transferred to the Department of Conservation (DNR) where he enjoyed traveling the state and covering festivals, parks, outdoor events and the State Fair. To Ben, his job was never work. Ben retired from his state position after 36 years behind the camera. During his time with Dept. of Conservation he became instrumental in the planning and coordination of the popular Ft. Massac Festival in Southern Illinois. He did that for over 30 years, even continuing after his official state employment ended.

During the early years in Springfield Ben was active with SUSART, The Springfield Underwater Search and Rescue Team. He was proud of his volunteer work and made strong friendships with his fellow divers.

Ben expressed many times that he had a wonderful life. He loved the 20 acres outside Springfield that he and Annie bought in 1972. They hosted many parties, reunions, and holiday gatherings. Everyone was welcome on “the hill” and visitors were always offered a cocktail and told to “EAT!” He loved Manhattans, the Bears and Illini, and an occasional cigar. He was very proud of his strong Lithuanian heritage and the associated celebratory Krupnik. Ben was a master storyteller and was a gifted embellisher. No one could deliver a joke or respond with a great one-liner better than him. His sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Most of all Ben loved his family; his wife of 56 years, Annie, and children, Larry, Laurel, and Lyle. He was a wonderful grandfather to Alex and Maggie. He embraced his son-in-law and daughter- in -law as his children, too. His nephews and their families were always special to him as well. He was passionate about his land and would walk its perimeter well into his later years, usually with the family dog at his side. He knew all the trees, birds and the wide variety of critters that shared his space. His hobby farm was his dream, and he was blessed to live it. Please remember him sitting in his rocker, Annie in hers, on the deck, sipping a Manhattan, just looking out on their paradise.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony: Family will receive friends from11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Friday, April 14th 2023, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. A Memorial Ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Jeff Grant officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.