Obituary for J. David Beneke J. David Beneke, age 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at his home in Louisville, with his family by his side. David was born in Massena, NY, later moved to Louisville and grew up in Audubon Park. He attended Our Mother of Sorrows Elementary School and Saint Xavier High School, Class of 1952.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. He married Ellen Quinn Hoff of Princeton, NJ in 1957. They lived in Richmond, VA and Palatine, IL where he was employed with Reynolds Metals Company.
He returned to Louisville in 1967, and along with his father, Chuck “CJ” Beneke, an aluminum wire pioneer, founded Beneke Wire Company, where he was owner and Chairman of the Board. He was looking forward to celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the company this Fall. He was especially proud of having his two sons, Stephen and Michael, follow his legacy and carry on the family business.
David served as past President of Wire Association International, a professional and technical society in the aluminum wire industry. He served on the board at Saint Xavier High School from 1993-2002. He was a proud supporter of Nativity Academy at St. Boniface and Saint Meinrad Archabbey along with many other charitable organizations that were dear to his heart.
David spent many happy times with his wife, Ellen and family in Delray Beach, FL and at their beloved “Camp” on Upper Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks. He also had a love for boats spending time aboard “Legacy” at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL and at Harbor Island in the Bahamas. David was a former member of Big Spring Country Club, Pendennis Club, and a long time member of St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church.
David is predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Ellen Hoff Beneke, his son, J. David Beneke, Jr., his parents, Charles “CJ” and Mary O’Neill Beneke, his brother, C.Peter Beneke and infant sister, Mary Ellen Beneke. He is survived by his six children, Mary Ellen Hale (Gary) of Miami Beach, FL, Anne Burkley (George) of Louisville, Susan DeWeese (Craig) of Louisville, Allison Beneke of Austin, TX, Stephen Beneke (Heather) of Louisville, and Michael Beneke (Wendie) of Louisville. He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren, who fondly called him “Deadwood”.
It always gave him great joy to joke and laugh with his grandchildren. He was an avid UK fan, loved a good cigar, and was always happy to enjoy anything from Plehn’s bakery. The family gratefully acknowledges David’s team of caregivers and Dr. Paul Loheide, for their dedication, excellent care and support.
Visitation will be Friday, May 11, 4pm – 7pm at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home, 3711 Lexington Road 40207 “in St. Matthews”. A mass of Catholic burial will be held Saturday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church, 1104 South 6th Street 40203. Burial will take place at Cave Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Saranac Foundation, P.O. Box 564, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 or usfoundation.net/donate and Nativity Academy at St. Boniface, nativitylouisville.org To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of J. David Beneke please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 MAY 11. 04:00 PM – 07:00 PM Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home St Matthews 3711 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY, US, 40207 admin@rattermans.com rattermanbrothers.com Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before J.’s Visitation begins. Celebration of Life 2018 MAY 12. 09:30 AM St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church 1104 S. Sixth Street Louisville, KY, US, 40203 Order Flowers for the Celebration of Life Guaranteed delivery before J.’s Celebration of Life begins.
Cemetery Details Cave Hill 701 Baxter Ave.
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