Louis George Benesh, 85, of Cedar Rapids died Friday afternoon, November 25, 2005 at his home following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at Brosh Chapel, Cedar Rapids with Reverend William Harnish, officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow at Czech National Cemetery.  Military rites will be conducted by Ely American Legion St. Quentin Post #555.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday at Brosh Chapel, Cedar Rapids.

Louis was born on February 22, 1920 in Newhall the son of William and Marie (Bokorney) Benesh.  He served in the South Pacific with the US Army during World War II.  On September 12, 1946 he married Marjorie L. Kosina in Cedar Rapids.  He retired from Penick and Ford after twenty-four years of employment.  Louis was a member of Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church, Ely American Legion St. Quentin Post #555, CSA Lodge #777, and Grain Millers #100.  Louis loved his grandchildren, great-grandchildren woodworking, gardening, hunting, and fishing.  He was also an expert cook and baker, and a master of all trades.

Louis is survived by his daughters, Judith (Francis) McLaskey of Cedar Rapids and Wendy (Clarence) Walton of Cedar Rapids; son, Randy (Kris) Benesh of Cedar Rapids; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marjorie, two brothers, and a sister.

A memorial fund has been established for Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church or the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.