Robert L. Benken

Robert (Bob) Benken passed away Sunday, Jan 1, 2023 at the age of 76 after a brief illness. He was born March 3, 1946 to the late Herman and Marie Benken in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bob was a devoted husband to his wife Betty (BJ)( Humpert) Benken for 54 years.

He is survived by one son, Michael J Benken, his daughter Julie Ann preceded him in death. as well as his brother, James Benken. He is survived by brothers George (Angela) Benken of West Chester, Ohio and Donald (Laurie) Benken of Lilburn Georgia, and sister-in-law Mary Benken of Wyoming, Ohio. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, as well as his wife's family in Indiana and Florida.

He attended St. Xavier High School and University of Cincinnati. He was also selected to attend the National Fire Academy in Maryland in 1982. He, as a young adult was a member of the Wyoming Volunteer Fire Dept. followed by a four year enlistment in the US Navy as a Damage control man, upon his discharge, In 1970 he worked as a Firefighter for the Evendale Fire Department until his medical retirement in 1991.

While raising his children during their high school years, he was an active member of the Lakota Marching Band Upbeat Club as a parent volunteer.

Students often called him "Mr. Wonderful." In his retirement he enjoyed golf and traveling with family and friends. Even in his retirement he was always keeping his ear to the fire scanner for events around the city. He told the story of chasing fire sirens at the age of 7, and per the family it continued throughout his life.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 5pm until 7 pm at the Hodapp Funeral Home in Liberty Township, 6410 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd, Liberty Township, OH 45044.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day at 11 am, Saturday January 7, 2023, at St Susanna Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can made to the Julie Benken Memorial Drum Major Scholarship Fund, c/o University of Cincinnati Foundation. P O Box 19970, Cincinnati Ohio,45219, Designated to the Julie Benken Scholarship fund.