"I'd like to send sympathies to Alice Benck's family. She and her husband Bob have contributed in so many (and different) ways to their chosen hometown. Algona has been blessed by their presence."
In loving memory of
Alice Benck
September 7, 2010
Inurnment will be at a later date at Riverview Cemetery
Family will greet friends after the service at the luncheon.
Alice Elenora Benck was born July 6, 1923, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Rev. Oscar and Elizabeth (Neve) Smith. Alice was schooled in Cincinnati and earned college degrees in Sociology and Psychology from Columbus Capital University. She was married to Robert "Bob" Benck on September 9, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. Alice began, what is now, Exceptional Opportunities at First Lutheran Church pre-school with five small children. It has expanded and grown into Shepherd's Cottage, work activity center and many more buildings in Burt. Alice became director of Exceptional Opportunities for several years.
Alice was a member of First Lutheran Church in Algona. She and Bob had received the coveted Algona Heritage Award in 2009 for their dedication to Algona and the area.
Alice died on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona at the age of 87.
Survivors include husband, Bob Benck of Algona, Iowa; and children, John Benck of Charlottesville, Virginia; Pamela and husband John Bradley of Burlington, Iowa; Mark Benck of Honolulu, Hawaii and Stephen Benck as well as daughter-in-law, Lisa Homan of Minneapolis, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Mark Miller, Michael Miller, Sarah Jane Shimasaki, Hannah Benck, Audrey Benck, Christopher Benck and Charles Benck. Also surviving are five great grandchildren, Kade Miller, Niki Miller, Erin Miller, Chloe Shimasaki and Kingston Shimasaki. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Cheryl Miller, babies Sarah, Miriam and Timothy, and brother James Smith.
Tributes
"Bob -- I just learned of Alice's death and needed to tell you how I appreciate your deep sense of loss. Alice was an amazing woman...and you were an amazing couple! Together, you created a world of difference for those who needed giving folks such as the two of you. Peace in your struggle through this time. Sue "
"My condolences to Mark, John, and the rest of the family."
"Over the years, Alice Benck was an inspiration to many employees, families, and individuals served by Exceptional Opportunities, Inc. As the founder of Exceptional Opportunities, Inc. and the first Executive Director from 1970 to 1989, Alice was instrumental for much of the early growth and development of the program. She challenged Exceptional Opportunities Administrative team and employees to be creative, to think outside the box, and to do whatever needed to be done to provide what the individuals we served needed. Alice taught us determination, stick-tuitiveness, something worth doing was worth doing well, to pray, and to laugh. Alice was quite a lady. Bob always treated Alice like a princess. What a gentleman Alice had for a husband. God bless Alice who without a doubt has earned a special place in heaven. My deepest sympathies to Bob and the entire family. May your faith be a source of strength and comfort to each of you. With sympathy, Jean Menning "
"I am sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you. Alice was a very special person in my life and one I truly respected. You see, my sister Ann, was one of the first five. I remember the day that she stopped at our house and visited with my parents and changed our lives forever. My parents were so proud to have her go to school and to get a much deserved break. Over the years, she assisted my parents and eventually hired me to work summers in Burt. May she rest in peace and may you find peace in knowing she helped many people in her life and truly made a difference. Lori Potter(Arndorfer)"
"Alice gave so much to so many people. I first met her when I went to work at Ex OP in Burt. She was a wonderful person. "
"Benck Family, Alice was an inspiration to so many! She made a difference in her caring for and about others. Because of her Exceptional Opportunities was created and continues to serve individuals with developmental disabilities. Alice taught me many things over the years that I worked with her. May you know that many prayers are sent your way. "
"Alice gave me my chance to be a teacher back in 1976 when not many others were jumping at the chance. Alice didn't care about how you were described but about how she felt you were as a person, thanks Alice for believing in me. I have not returned to Algona often since leaving but when I did I always went by her house but didn't stop since I didn't want to intrude. I wish I had, shame on me. I know the world is a better place for her having been in it. PEACE"
"Alice touched so many lives and had a way with people. She has left me with a lot of life lessons. Cherish her memories. Sorry to hear of your loss."
"I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Alice was a fabulous woman and I'm grateful that I got to know her. My prayers are with your family. "