Edwin Benish, 96 of 8508 Walford Road, Fairfax, died Saturday, March 22, 2008 from a brief illness.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 26 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.  Burial to follow in Czech National Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.

Edwin was born March 20, 1912 in rural Cedar Rapids, the son of Frank and Callie Pirkl Benish.  He married Wilma Schlueter on August 27, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois.  Edwin and Wilma farmed together for many years in rural Fairfax.  They enjoyed going on trips that took them many places.  Edwin enjoyed fishing at their cabin every summer, hunting in his younger day, wood working (especially scroll work made for his family), playing cards with his family and many friends, and gardening (especially raising hosta).  Edwin was a member of C.S.A., WFLA Lodge #400 for over fifty years, Linn County Farm Bureau; and Fairfax Senior Citizens.

Edwin is survived by his wife, Wilma of 73 years; 3 daughters: Donna Berger of rural Amana, Bonnie (Jerry) Becicka of rural Swisher, and Judy (Wayne) Slezak of rural Swisher; 8 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren; and a sister, Leona Mihal of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Leonard and Robert; his son, Donald and his son-in-law Dean Berger.

A memorial fund has been established in Edwin's memory.