Richard Henry Benes, 83, of Valparaiso, NE, entered into eternal rest with his family at his side on Friday, May 29, 2020 at his home in rural Valparaiso, NE.  He was born April 9, 1937 in Valparaiso, NE to Charles and Rose (Hajek) Benes.  Richard attended rural school districts #143 and #91.  In 1954, he graduated from Raymond High School.  On September 3, 1960, he was united in marriage to Geraldine “Gerry” M. Vanicek at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Agnew, NE.

Richard was a lifelong farmer on his families’ farm near Valparaiso, NE.  He was a member of Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church in Valparaiso, the Church Choir and the Knights of Columbus #8625.  He was also a member of the National Farmers Organization and Grape Growers Association.  Richard enjoyed farming which often enhanced his mechanical abilities as a self-made engineer which he was very good at.  He loved polka music and his Sunday red beer.  A special talent was his spoon hanging ability and he could not resist the “Claw”.  He also enjoyed square, polka and swing dancing.  While he enjoyed many sports, Husker volleyball was a favorite.  He was an animal lover, a math whiz but most of all a kind, unique, special person.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gerry Benes; children, Randy (Jeanette) Benes of Valparaiso, NE, Doug (Mary) Benes of Raymond, NE, Bryan (Cindy) Benes, Norwalk, IA, Kevin (Jeanne) Benes of Gibbon, NE, Christie (Mike) Weber of Bucyrus, KS and Cindra (Shane) Jensen of Raymond, NE; grandchildren, Nick Benes, Amanda (Adam) Cheever, Brent (Megan) Benes, Meagan (Ryan) Brandt, Emily (Sean) O’Malley, Bethany Benes, Levi Benes, Sarah Benes, Michaella (Brett) Bendfeldt, Justin Weber, Ryan Weber, Jenna Weber, Christian Benes, Marissa Jensen and Kellan Jensen; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Adeline Houdek and Elsie Houdek; many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Rose Benes; brothers, Philip Benes, Rudy Benes and Stephen Benes; sister, Stella Fiedler.