Kenneth Richard Benoy, age 86 of Hudson WI and formerly of Texas, died on Monday, June 20, 2011 at his residence. Ken was born on February 16, 1925 in Holcombe WI to parents Marvin and Lena Margaret (Olson) Benoy. Ken attended grade school in Hudson, and graduated from high school in Birchwood WI. Ken was stationed in the Philippines during WWII where he served in the Army as a tractor driver with Company ‘A’ of the 658th Amphibious Tractor Battalion. Ken was married twice in his life. His marriage to his first wife, Shirley Erb, was in 1946, and three children were born to this union. They later divorced after 25 years of marriage. He married his second wife, Lois, in 1981, and she would precede him in death in 2000.

Ken worked in the construction trade as a brick layer, and was a member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1 of Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico.  Ken lived and worked many years down south in Texas, where he cheered for the Dallas Cowboys, all while keeping the Packers close at heart. When he wasn’t working, Ken could be found enjoying travel, trips on his motorcycle, or trying his luck at fishing. At age 79, Ken learned to golf, and enjoyed golfing as well. Ken was an animal lover, and always enjoyed horseback riding, even being out riding up until just a couple of years ago at age 84. He will be remembered for his hard work and honesty, and his love of family. In similar fashion of the famed Will Rogers, Ken would say to all of you, “Adios. I have gone to where the horses and dogs go.”

Ken is survived by his children, daughter Michelle Sherley of Hudson WI, and sons William (Jo Evelyn) Benoy of Burleson TX, and Michael Benoy of Fort Worth TX; grandchildren Kenneth (Kara) Prater, Shellye (William) Cobb, Shirley Benoy, Krissy (Scott) Phillips; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Harriet Pinnock, and Marilyn (Jim) Strandquist; brother LaVerne (Donna) Benoy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his second wife Lois; his sister Kathleen McCarthy; and son-in-law Richard Sherley.

A Memorial Gathering for Kenneth Benoy will be held from 3:00-5:00PM on Monday, June 27th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 South 11th Street in Hudson. Military honors provided by the Hudson VFW and American Legion will conclude the gathering. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, and the Countryside Crematory. 715-386-3725