Richard Frank Benesh, 91, of Albert Lea, formerly of Austin, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at St. John’s Lutheran Community in Albert Lea.

Richard was born July 25, 1924, to James and Zdenka (Kaliwoda) Benesh in Freeborn County.  He grew up in the Myrtle area on the family farm.

On May 1, 1949, he married Marcy Galstad in Austin, and together they had five children. The couple lived in Austin for 56 years and moved to Albert Lea 10 years ago. He worked for Hormel Foods for 35 years, retiring in 1984.

Richard enjoyed his family, watching his children and grandchildren participating in their activities, golfing, hunting, watching any kind of sports on TV, reading the newspaper, going for coffee with the guys and talking to anyone who would listen.

Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marcy (Galstad) Benesh, of Albert Lea; daughters Ann (Mike) Herman of Alden and Mary (George) Tschida of Lakeville; daughter-in-law, Jane (Oussey) Benesh of West Allis, Wisconsin; brother, Ernest Benesh of Owatonna; grandchildren Jennifer (Matt) VanHal of Lake Jackson, Texas, Joey Tschida and Analiese Tschida; great-grandson, Kavan VanHal; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his sons Richard and Steve Benesh; daughter, Sandy Benesh; and brothers James and Joseph Benesh.

A mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin. Family will be greeting family and friends at a visitation that will be one hour prior to mass at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 405 4th Street NW in Austin. Burial will be at Bohemian National Cemetery in Myrtle.

Online condolences can be left at www.mayerfh.com.