Gregory Benker

Hastings resident, Gregory Paul Benker, 60, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2012 at his home.

Burial Office will be Wednesday, December 19, 2012; 11:00 A. M. at Saint Mark's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral in Hastings with The Very Rev. Catherine F. Scott officiating. Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Hastings. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 18, 2012; 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. with family present 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home in Hastings. Memorials may be given to Gregory Paul Benker Memorial Fund with distribution to be determined.

Gregory was born June 28, 1952 in Hastings, Nebraska to Marvin L. & LaVonne L. (Wilson) Benker. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1970. Gregory attended UNMC, at Omaha, in the Bachelor's program of radiology and completed the training in the United States Army. Gregory served in the U.S. Army from July 31, 1972 until July 30, 1975 during the Vietnam War. He married Sandy Kuhlmann on April 28, 1973 and they had two sons, Grant and Joshua. Gregory later married Carole (Parker) Morrissey on October 21, 2004. Gregory managed ten Hospe's Music Stores in Nebraska and Iowa, and taught organ music classes. He also worked at Ron's Music and was an x-ray technologist at the VA Hospital, both in Grand Island. When Gregory moved back to Hastings he worked as an ultra sound technologist at Mary Lanning Healthcare. He started the Greg Benker Band when he was 16 years old and he retired from the band three years ago. Greg was a member of Saint Mark's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eagles Aerie 592, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans. Greg was an avid music fan and gardener, and the Christmas season was his favorite holiday. Greg loved to please the people with his music, he may not have remembered their name but he always remembered their favorite song. His smile lit up the sky and was ever present.

Gregory was preceded in death by his father, Marvin L. Benker.

Survivors include:
Wife: Carole Benker - Hastings, NE
Mother: LaVonne Benker - Hastings, NE
Sons & Spouse: Grant & Mariette Benker - Omaha, NE
Joshua Benker - Denver, CO
Step-Sons & Spouses: Chris & Dawn Morrissey - Ft. Collins, CO
Seth & Kristina Morrissey - Castle Rock, CO
Step-Daughter & Spouse: Erin & Michael Koening - Grand Island, NE
Sister & Spouse: Janice & Ray Buhr - Omaha, NE
Brother & Spouse: Jerry & Jeanne Benker - Grand Island, NE
Grandchildren: Katelynn Benker
Gage Benker
Brenna Leigh
Jaida Koenig
Natalee Scott
Connor Morrissey
Zachary Priest
Anthony Priest
Stella Morrissey
Olivia Morrissey
Great-Grandchildren: Max Leigh
Zoe Scott
Numerous Nieces, Nephews, and many, many friends