William Bennekemper, Jr., beloved husband of Patricia for 58 years; adored father of son, Scott and his wife Kyunghee; daughter, Amy Sherrer and her husband John Pollmann; granddaughter, Jennifer; and step-grandson, Justin.  Revered brother of Ralph Bennekemper and his wife Kitty; nieces Susan, Wendy, Karen, Leslie, and Kim and their families.  Loved cousin of Dick and his wife, Muriel, their children and grandchildren, especially Amanda; born in Hackensack, NJ on January 19, 1926, has passed away in Wentzville, MO on November 6, 2010 after a short illness. 

He served his country with honor as an ROTC graduate from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH on June 29, 1946, and was commissioned as a Naval Officer, LT JG. He was on Active Duty from March 1, 1944 and served in the South Pacific during the Korean War from July 1952 to June 1954.  He served his country with honor and carried this service over into civilian life with his family and friends.

Known as Bill or Ben to friends and family, he was thought of as a gentleman with class and a warm sense of humor.  He made whomever he was speaking with feel important.  He always acted with an eye toward decency and lead by example in always taking the high road.  He was on his high school’s state champion soccer team, pursued baseball in the minor leagues and exhibited his qualities of loyalty and steadfastness in standing by the Chicago Cubs right through the last season.   While he will be greatly missed by family and friends, those of us touched by him know that he’ll always be with us,   We also take comfort that we will meet with him again, and he’ll say a few words with a touch of class, a sparkle of humor, and we’ll all feel important once again.

Private memorial service will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Humane Society or the CME Foundation or a charity of your choosing.  Condolences may be sent to the family c/o 1022 Huthmaker Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122.