Edward Benko

Edward William Benko Edward William Benko, 86, passed away December 28, 2011. Ed was born in Calhan, Colorado on December 31, 1924. He attended school in Aurora, playing football and enjoying summers on the family farm in Calhan. At age 17, he entered the Navy, serving on the USS Doherty and USS Guam. He earned a BA in History from the University of Colorado and later pursued a Masters degree in Russian History at UC, Berkley. While living in the Bay Area, he met the love of his life, Dottie and married in January, 1956. He joined State Farm Insurance as an underwriter and started a family in Pinole, then Santa Rosa, CA. In 1970, the family relocated to Visalia with Ed's transfer as a State Farm claims adjustor. In his leisure time, he enjoyed camping, fishing, tennis, playing cards, and watching his boy's sporting events. As a fan of local football teams, he was active for many years in the Quarterback Club. After 28 years with State Farm, he retired. He again continued his education, enrolling in criminal justice and horticulture courses at COS. For several years, he worked as a security guard at the Social Security office in downtown Visalia, before officially retiring. His service in the Navy led to a fondness of boating. He was an active volunteer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, spending many hours patrolling local lakes. He had a curious mind, was an avid reader, and a regular viewer of Sunday morning political TV. He loved political banter, and playfully expressed his principled views in letters to the editor. While still in good health, he enjoyed traveling the U.S. with his wife. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Benko, brother John Kucharik, sister Mamie Doven, sister Betty Sanborn and brother Bill Benko. He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Visalia, son Brian Benko of Aurora, Colorado, son Barry Benko of Anchorage, Alaska, daughter Mari Wylie and son-in-law Brad Wylie of Kingsburg, grandchildren Tatyana Benko and Nicholai Benko and many nieces and nephews. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle and will be missed. Ed would want to express his gratitude to the staff of the Kaweah Delta Dialysis Center for the treatment that extended his life and allowed him precious time with his family, as well as the staff at Redwood Springs for care during his final days. Memorial services will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 14,2012 at 1:00pm. As an alternative to flowers, the family also welcomes remembrances to a charity of the donor's choice.