Rick William Benda, 71, of Alliance, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at home after battling cancer. Rick was born on August 12, 1951, in Alliance, Nebraska to William and Beverly (Jorgensen) Benda. Raised in Nebraska, Rick was a 1969 graduate of Hemingford High School. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska, Kearney, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Pathology. He was a Speech Pathologist at the schools of Howells, Clarkson, Leigh, and Humphrey, Nebraska for 3 years. While teaching, he continued working toward his master’s degree at Wayne State College before moving home to farm.
Rick calls Hemingford his home. He lived and farmed there for 67 years before moving to Alliance, Nebraska.
Every morning he would start his day with daily devotions and prayer and from there his day would begin. Rick was always very goal oriented. His most important goal was to provide and protect his family. It was also important to him that he be a “good steward of the land.”
Rick devoted his life to being a husband, devoted father, and grandfather. He adored his wife, Gina, his children, Brian, Jeff, Matthew, Kristine and his eight amazing, talented, and smart (of course) grandchildren, Aiden, Austin, Zoey, Alexa, Karson, Kinley, Jacob, and Kate.
Rick is survived by his wife, Gina Bates Benda; his children, Brian (Kim), Matthew (Kristen), Kristine Sole; daughter-in-law, (Kali) and his eight amazing, talented, and smart (of course) grandchildren, Aiden, Austin, Zoey, Alexa, Karson, Kinley, Jacob, and Kate. He is also survived by his sisters, Cheryl (Edwin) Harms and Jody (Doug) Osler; and many special cousins, nieces, and nephews.
His son Jeffrey Scott Benda tragically preceded him in death on Thanksgiving Day, 2021.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, November 5th, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Alliance Berean Church. Pastor Glenn Johnson will officiate. The family will receive guests following the service from 12-2 at the West Side Event Center (formerly Alliance Country Club).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alliance Berean Church Building fund, Jane’s Closet (Box Butte General Hospital cancer fund), Festival of Hope (Regional West Hospital cancer Fund) or Bobcats Beating Cancer.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.