William Fred Benkenstein

William Fred Benkenstein, 79, of Basalt, passed away May 22, 2010 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

Fred was born May 2, 1931 to Fred Benkenstein and Eva May Westergard.  In his youth he lived and attended schools in Roberts, Idaho.

Fred married Darlene Joyce Hammer on May 19, 1951 in Rigby, Idaho.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the Oakland LDS Temple on October 18, 1969.

Fred was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He was a member of the Carpenters Union.  He worked as a carpenter and millwright.  The last job Fred worked on was the Anheuser Busch Malt Plant in Idaho Falls.  He worked as a millwright on that job.  The last pour he worked on was finished in April of 1991.  The following Fathers Day he became ill and went on oxygen until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Hammer of Basalt; children, Dawnetta (Randy) Severinsen of Ammon; Deborah (Darrell) Lyon of Idaho Falls; Doriesa (Stanley) Jones of Shelley; Bill Benkenstein of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Deanna (Steven) Wayne of Idaho Falls; Bob Benkenstein of Idaho Falls; Dalena (Mike) Olson of Ammon; and one sister, Elsie Terrell of Ammon; 31 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Sam, and two great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 28, 2010 at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.