Roger D. Beneke

Roger Dean Beneke, 79, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Roger was born on August 9, 1946, in Tacoma, Washington, to Carl and Lucille (Meppen) Beneke. He graduated from Palmer High School with the Class of 1964. He attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa where he played on the football team for one year. From 1965 to 1972, he proudly served in the United States Army Reserve.

On October 2, 1966, Roger married the love of his life, Genevieve Samuelson, at Elfsborg Lutheran Church in Pomeroy, Iowa. Sharing nearly 60 years of marriage, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Roger spent 37 years with U.S. West Telephone Company, where he was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. He was an active member of Elfsborg Lutheran Church, where he was a Sunday school superintendent and a member of the board, serving the congregation he loved. Most recently, he was a proud member of the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.

Roger found great joy in life's simple pleasures: hunting, fishing, and camping in God's great outdoors and spending time with his dogs. A gifted woodworker, he handcrafted countless pieces of furniture that will be treasured by family and friends for generations. In retirement, he enjoyed spending winters in Florence, Arizona, where he and Genevieve enjoyed ATV rides and many gatherings with family and friends.

He was happiest when surrounded by those he loved, and nothing brought him more pride and happiness than being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Genevieve; his sons, Troy (Daneille) Beneke of Coralville, Todd (Sarah) Beneke of Coralville, and Tim (Jennifer) Beneke of Lakewood, Colorado; six grandchildren, Matt, Kylie, Jake, Andy, Luke, and Ella; two great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Molly; his sister, Bonnie (Bruce Hisanaga) Beneke of Honolulu, Hawaii; his sisters-in-law, Geneva (Butch) Nickel and Josephine Beneke; his brother-in-law, Myrvin (Lynette) Samuelson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lucille Beneke; his brother, Alan Beneke; and his parents-in-law, Rudy and Ethel Samuelson.

Roger will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, generous spirit, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the many lives he touched.

Family-led memorial services will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation and lunch will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a future designation.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Roger and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

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