Frederic “Fritz” Benberg, age 96, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.

Funeral Services for Mr. Benberg are scheduled for Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, with Reverend Tom Hinshaw officiating. Burial will be in Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake, with full military honors performed by Veterans of Foreign War Post 6172. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home for one hour prior to the start of services.

Frederic O. Benberg was born May 10, 1910 in Storm Lake to Herbert L. and Lottie E. (Van Cleve) Benberg. He grew up in Storm Lake and graduated from Storm Lake High School.

On February 21, 1933, Fritz was joined in marriage to Inez M. Jenkins in Storm Lake. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Kristi, and a son, Greg.

Fritz joined the United States Army in January of 1942 and served in the 281st Combat Engineer Battalion during World War II. The battalion built bridges and road to keep troops moving during the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged in January 1944.

A lifelong patriot, Fritz was a member of the Storm Lake American Legion, Post 6172 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Alta, and AMVETS Post #66 in Storm Lake. He felt a deep bond with his fellow veterans, which spurred him to help with over 300 military funerals during his life. He received the Patriotic Citizen of the year award given by local Jaycees for distinguished service, and was commended by the assistant adjutant general of the United States Army for the "exceptional job" done for his community. Fritz devoted 30 years of his life to ensuring that local veterans receive a proper military funeral.

Fritz was well-known in the Storm Lake community as the owner of Benberg Moving and Construction, a business he operated for 50 years. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Fritz will be missed by family and friends alike.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Kristi and husband Denzil Barnhill of Fulton, Illinois; his son, Greg and wife Mary Lou Benberg of Johnston, Iowa; his granddaughter, Angela and husband Ryan Young of Johnston, Iowa; his grandson, Shawn and wife Jodi Benberg of Johnston, Iowa; his grandson, Nathan and wife Melissa Barnhill of Port Richey, Florida; his great-grandchildren: Megan Young, Austin Benberg and Aidan Benberg; his brother, Herbert Benberg, Jr. of Springtown, Texas; extended family and friends.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Inez; one brother, Robert; and three sisters: Eileen Jones, Norma Jones, and Neva Davis.