Obituary of Frederick Benninger

Frederick Joseph Michael Benninger "Fred", 72, taken from us too soon after a short but fierce battle with cancer. Beloved Husband of Audrey (Durward). Dear Father of Carolyn and Denise Benninger of Kitchener, Joanna and her husband Michael Faiella of Whistler BC, Graham Wood and his wife Sandi of New Hamburg and Angela and her husband Charles "Jerry" Smith of Waterloo. Cherished Grandpa and Umpy to his grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, Grace, Colin, Chantel, Chelsea, Graham, Taylor and Lucas. Brother and treasured friend of Rosemary and her husband Rick Wehrle of Kitchener, Paul Benninger of Owen Sound, Peter Benninger and Janette Braun of Kitchener and Lynne Durward of Waterloo. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary (Murray) and Joseph Benninger. A graduate of the University of Toronto, St Michael's College, he began his career at Miller Trailers (Toronto) in 1963. Fred was a successful businessman who founded Mobilife RV Center (Kitchener) in 1969 and cofounded House Smart (Aberfoyle) in 2000 with his wife Audrey. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Casey, Dr. Reid, and the CCAC palliative care unit who so tenderly provided comfort and care in his last days at home and to Monsignor Sheridan for his many visits and the comfort he provided Fred. Born in 1941 in Toronto, Fred was raised in Owen Sound. A devout Catholic, he was also lovingly dedicated to his community and thrived on his service to others. After moving to Kitchener in 1969 Fred joined the Knights of Columbus leading to many other endeavors including Cub Scout Leader, Rotary Club of Westmount-Kitchener, Waterloo Regional Track 3 Ski School and Out of the Cold. Also an active member of many industry related associations including being a founding member of the South Western RVDA, RV Care, and 20 Group. Through his membership with the Rotary Club he was a recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris award. Fred was a true gentleman with a need to always truly connect with everyone he met. He will be remembered by so many as a faithful and generous friend. The gates of Heaven have welcomed him and may we all take comfort in knowing that he is in a better place. Friends and relatives are invited to share their memories of Fred with his family at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo on Tuesday from 7 pm to 9 pm and Wed from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm. Parish Prayers will be offered in the funeral home Wednesday evening at 8:45 p.m. The funeral mass to celebrate Fred's life and faith will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, 173 Lourdes Street in Waterloo on Thursday May 23, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Monsignor Edward Sheridan as celebrant. Cremation will follow. Immediately following the funeral service, friends are invited to join the family in the parish hall at the church for lunch and a time to visit. Condolences for the family and donations to Canadian Cancer Society, Cardiac Fitness or Track 3 would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy and can be arranged through the funeral home, www.erbgood.com or 519.745.8445.