Harry W. Beneke was born in Burlington, Iowa, July 3, 1926, to Harry W. and Catherine (Rohleder) Beneke Sr. His father was killed in an elevator accident when Harry was in the fourth grade. After the accident, Harry began his working career early as a butcher for Benteco Chain Stores of Burlington, Iowa.
Before he was the age of 17, Harry was the head butcher for five Greenboarder Stores located in Burlington, Iowa.
He also managed two roller skating rinks being a teacher of roller skating and a Certified Professional Roller-Skater.
Harry answered the call of his country Oct. 5, 1944, enlisting in the Army at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., at the age of 17. He spent much of his military duty being involved in the liberation of the Philippine Islands where he was wounded in action Nov. 20, 1944, receiving a Purple Heart for his bravery.
He also was stationed in Yokohama, Japan; when his first tour of duty expired. He immediately re-enlisted the following day, Jan. 20, 1946, in Tokyo, Japan, into the Military Police and was moved from Japan to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., being in charge of all the military police in that area.
He was discharged from the Army Dec. 13, 1946, at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; with a rank of Sergeant.
After he was discharged he moved to Marion and began working as manager of H & H Garage and Mack Truck Dealership from 1946 until 1948. He then managed Curry Motor Sales from 1948 until 1956.
Harry’s interest was to be involved in banking. He was a graduate from Southern Illinois University School of Banking and University of Wisconsin School of Banking.
He began working at the Bank of Marion in May 1956, and remained there until he retired June 1, 1975, as senior vice president.
Harry was an active member of the Zion United Church of Christ of Marion, where he was an ordained deacon and elder, president of the Men’s Brotherhood, choir member and Sunday school teacher.
He served as Treasurer for the Executive Committee of the 1964 Williamson County Quasquicentennial celebration and was involved in the formation of the Marion Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) in 1954.
He was united in marriage to Eileen R. James Boles April 18, 1968, in Chicago. Together they enjoyed nearly 29 years of marriage and lived at 209 Boswell Road, Rt. 3, Marion, Illinois.
Harry retired on July 31, 1975 at the recommendation of his physician for health reason. He had held the position of Vice President of Marketing. Prior to his retirement, he had been on a 60 day sick leave in hopes that his health would improve.
Besides his duties at the bank he had been active in community affairs, including the Marion Chamber of Commerce, until his health forced him to curtail his activities.
Harry at age 70, passed away at 6:15 p.m. Monday, April 7, 1997, in Marion Memorial Hospital. Wife, Eileen followed him in death only one month later on May 2, 1997. Both were interred at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Marion.
He was survived by daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Greg Simmons of rural Creal Springs; two stepsons, James Boles and wife, Brenda, of Marion; and Danny Boles and wife, Linda, of Leesburg, Florida, Grandsons, Todd Simmons, Michael Boles, Chris Boles, Brent Boles; granddaughter, Nikki Adams, and three great-granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Theresa Nan Carter in May of 1967; and step son, Jeffery Boles on July 12, 1990.
The funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 1997, at Wilson Funeral Home of Marion, with Rev. Gordon A Seifferett officiating. Burial followed at Odd Fellows Cemetery of Marion.
Military graveside services were conducted by VFW Heyde-Pillow Post No 1801 of Marion.
(Data extracted from Marion Daily Republican Obituary, April 1997; Marion Daily Republican article dated July 31, 1975; Marion Street Directories; compiled by Sam Lattuca 07/28/2013)