September 7, 1937 - March 16, 2014
Louis M. "Louie" Benko, age 76, of Richfield. Born and raised in Ely, MN. Retired Wayzata Public Schools Principal. Loved to golf, fish and spend time at his "Happy Place" - the cabin in Ely, with family and friends. Loved woodworking and was everyone's handyman. Preceded in death by his first wife, Mary, and his parents, Ann and Louis Benko. Survived by his wife, Joan; children, Stacy Kroeplin (John Heutmaker ), Kari Roy (Jeff), and Kyle Benko; step-children, Simone Lassi, Lori Rathje (Tim), Greg Lassi (Lisa) and Mary Jo Elliott (Mike); grandchildren, Jake, Mackenzie, Madison, Macy, Miles, Bailey, Alexandra, Gregory, Tara, John, Peter and David; brother, Joseph Benko ( Mary), and sister, Mary Ann Pinckney (Bob); other relatives and friends. Thank you to Fairview Southdale Hospital, the Infusion Center and to Dr. Nashawaty and his staff for all of their care and support for Louie.
Memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society.
Kyle,
Very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a great person and I will always remember the hunting trip in New Mexico. Our thoughts and prayers to you and the entire family.
Craig & Jean Wilson
Dearest Joni,
My sincere sympathies to you on Louie’s passing. We had such fun with both of you on our European adventure. Three women and (Poor) Louie, what a great sport he was! We only had three weeks together to become friends but we made a whole lot of wonderful memories!
Thinking of you,
XOCathy
To Louie’s family,
I was so sorry to hear of Louie’s passing. He was my first principal when I started in the Wayzata district at Greenwood Elementary. I always appreciated Louie’s instructional leadership, his fairness, and his ability to lead the building. One time I had him come into my sixth grade class and be our guest speaker about life on the Range. He was so entertaining; the students loved his stories. He was a wonderful person who will always hold a special place in my memory. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.