Michael Benko Sr., 92, Former Job Setter & Production Assistant

Mr. Benko was born in Cumberland, Ohio on July 30, 1917 and had been a long-time resident of Elyria.

Mike was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy where he fulfilled duty assignments as a ship fitter attached to the 14th, 40th, and 71st Construction Battalions. He was the recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with two Bronze Stars, as well as the American Area Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

He was employed as a job setter and production assistant for the Western Automatic Corporation of Elyria and its successor companies Stanadyne and Moen International. Mr. Benko retired in 1980 following a career that spanned forty-one years with the manufacturer.

He was a member of VFW Post #1079 and American Legion Post #12 both of Elyria, as well as a life member of the Beaver Creek Sportsman’s Club. He was also an affiliate of the Nation Rifle Association. He formerly attended Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lorain.

Survivors include his son Michael Benko, Jr. and daughter-in-law Laura residing in Elyria Township. He was preceded in death by his former wife Helen (nee Shelt) in 2005, by his parents George and Sue Benko, by brothers George, Andy, and John, by his twin brother Steve, and by sisters Susan, Mary, and Judy.

Visitation will be Sunday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Funeral services will be Monday Oct. 5th, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel with the Reverend Laurie Miller, Pastor of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church presiding, Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township where military honors will be conducted by the officers and members of VFW Post # 1079.

The family encourages memorial contributions to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church.

To leave your on-line condolences please visit www.gluvna.net.