Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Daniel Robert Benjamin “Boom Bay Benny”, age 76, of Larsen (Boom Bay), passed away with his family by his side on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton from complications related to COVID. He was born July 25, 1945, in Neenah to Don and Helen (Kamps) Benjamin. Dan was a 1963 graduate of Neenah High School, where he was the captain of the cross-country team his senior year. Dan served his country with the U.S. Air Force which included time overseas in Okinawa, Japan. On October 23, 1971, he married Peggy Cross at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Neenah. From 1966 until 2010 Dan worked for Van Eperen Painting, 29 years as an industrial painter and 15 years as a project estimator. Dan was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church-Winneconne, where he served as an usher. He had been president and vice president of the Boom Bay Heights Improvement Association, a volunteer firefighter for the Boom Bay Fire Department, a member of local boating and snowmobiling clubs, and since 1986 Dan enjoyed watching and participating with the Webfooter Water Ski Show Team, in which he was named an honorary lifetime member. Dan’s hobbies included: loved spending time with family, especially his three grandchildren, Conner, Calla, and Marcus, vacationing with family in Florida, enjoying the Gulf and the ocean, trips to Mexico with friends and family, a Benjamin family cruise, pontooning with his new pontoon boat. Dan enjoyed his garden and keeping his yard immaculate. He also had fun hunting, fishing, watching Packer games and NASCAR races. Dan went to his last race at his favorite track, Talladega Super Speedway, in October 2021.
Dan is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Peggy Benjamin, of Larsen; daughter, Stacey (Ray) Buchko, of Fremont; son, Sam (Stefanie) Benjamin, of Fremont; grandchildren, Conner Buchko (Bernzi LaHaye), Calla Benjamin, Marcus Benjamin; a brother, Lee (Barb) Benjamin, of Wadsworth, Illinois; sisters, Judy (Dave) Roedel, of Wild Rose; Susan Michalkiewicz, of Appleton; Ruth Hammerberg, of Appleton; brother, Mike Benjamin, of Larsen; brother-in-law, Bill (Janice) Cross, of Menasha; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceding Dan in death were his father, Don Benjamin; his mother, Helen Benjamin Sanderson; brother, Pat Benjamin; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Julius and Lillian Cross; brothers-in-law, Tom Cross, Dave Michalkiewicz, and Barry Hammerberg.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until Noon at St. Mary Catholic Church 210 Pleasant Dr. Winneconne. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at Noon at the church with Fr. Kevin Ripley and Deacon Paul Vidmar officiating. Military honors will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Snowdrop Foundation-WI or the Webfooter Water Ski Show Team would be appreciated.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Katie Miller wrote on October 24, 2021
My heart goes out to you and your family! I’m sad to hear of your loss! You two were such a great couple! He will be truly missed. Hugs!
Pat Brink & Dwayne Jost wrote on October 24, 2021
Dear Sweet Peggy & Family, We are sooo sorry for your loss. You are very lucky to have many loving friends to be by your side during these hard times. Dan is in Heaven watching over all of you. You have had many wonderful years together & made beautiful memories. Let them bring you comfort. We are keeping you in our prayers for comfort during the difficult days ahead. May God bless you! Pat Brink & Dwayne Jost. Boom Bay.
Rob & Joanie Buss wrote on October 23, 2021
Rob and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Peg and family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. We hope that you can find comfort in your cherished memories. In lieu of flowers, we have made a donation to the Snowdrop Foundation. God's peace to all.
Jill Storch wrote on October 21, 2021
Peggy, so sorry for your loss, may your fond memories of good times spent with Dan and family give you peace.
Jill Pascarella wrote on October 20, 2021
Peg, Stacey and Sam,
I am so sorry to hear about Dan. He was an awesome guy who had a beautiful family and a wonderful life. Sending you all my deepest sympathies, love of love, hugs and prayers.
Garry and Marianne Cross wrote on October 19, 2021
Peggy and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you.
Eternal rest grant unto him O' Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen
Donald Geldernick, NHS Class of 1963 wrote on October 19, 2021
Dear Peggy and family, So sorry to receive this sad news. Was blessed with much quality time talking with Dan and Peggy at the recent class re-union. We go way back and Dan was a star on our cross country team. He had a distinctive running style and gave a little hop with each stride. He was excellent and dedicated. The team was like a family and we hung together and practiced off season. His mother traveled with the seniors to distant points in the "Have Group, Will Travel" out of Appleton.
Everything Dan did was with a quiet, in-you-face enthusiasm. He gave total commitment a new name. Danny always answered the call when we organized our special, off-season practice session. And he liked to go to NHS basketball games.
Am truly sorry I will not get to visit him in Winneconne next time. Was looking forward to that. Just thanks for being there for us all these years. Always wanted to have a CC team reunion. Guess it will have to wait.
See ya soon, hope not too soon, Danny,
DON GELDERNICK, your pal
LORI A OLSON wrote on October 19, 2021
Peggy I am so going to miss seeing the two of you in Drews Bar. I can still see the two of you in the bar since I was a wee one myself, then you brought your kids and I watched them grow as I saw you brought them in! You two lived an awesome time together with so many adventures that will live on in everyone's hearts ... not just yours!! My heart bleeds tears of sadness for you and your family. My thoughts will be with you for a very long time as you begin to heal and start a life without your soul mate. You know he will always be with you and he will show you the signs of his presence I am sure.
You have so many dear dear friends and family that will be there to support you - lean on them when you need it. The loss you must feel and will feel will be great, but with faith and time the pain will ease. Life will be different for al of us as we loss a great man! Hugs and Kisses Peg - You are in so many thoughts and prayers!
Diane (Barutha) Kulick wrote on October 19, 2021
Peggy, I was very sad to read of Dan's passing. He was a great guy. My sympathy to you and your family. Those we hold in our hearts never truly leave us.
Vicki Merkley wrote on October 19, 2021
Dear Peggy and family
There are just no words to express the deep sorrow I have for all of you.
I can tell you at some point your memories and love for Dan will bring you comfort and peace. If you ever need a shoulder please don’t hesitate to call.
(920)486-3272)
Love Vicki Merkley
Beth Jeff and Lilly Johnson wrote on October 18, 2021
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you today and always.
Our family's hearts are with you all.
Someone as special as Uncle Dan will never be forgotten and will always bring a smile to my face.
All of our love....
Michelle, Doug & Seth Johnson wrote on October 18, 2021
Dearest Peg~
There are no words to convey how our hearts hurt for you and your family.Dan was such a wonderful man. Many wonderful memories have been made over MANY years that we will cherish forever. Dan is now watching over all of you, with his beautiful, perpetual smile. Know that we are always here, whatever you many need.
Michelle, Doug & Seth Johnson~Boom Bay
Rosemary Demeny Thorne wrote on October 18, 2021
Dear Peggy:
I was shocked and saddened when I saw Dan's obit. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Rosemary Demeny Thorne, NHS Class of '70
Susie Young wrote on October 18, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the entire Benjamin family. May all the happy and fond memories you have of Dan comfort you in the days to come. Such a wonderful guy, gone too soon. Rest in God’s loving arms, Dan.
Steve and Peggy DeLeeuw wrote on October 18, 2021
Peggy
So sorry for your loss. Had many of laughs with Dan over the years. May he Rest In Peace.
Sherry Regel wrote on October 18, 2021
Peggy, so very sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful and happy memories comfort you and your family in the days ahead.
Sherry Regel NHS class of ‘70.
David & Ute Anderson wrote on October 18, 2021
Peggy, Sam, Stacy, and families, we are at a loss for words. Please know we hold you in our hearts through this journey! May you find comfort in the memories you have and those shared with you in the days to come! We will always remember Dan with a smile and warmth in our hearts.