David ‘Dave’ Benedict, 71

My dad, David “Dave” O. Benedict, 71, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Coeur d’Alene, on March 24, 2020. Originally from Milwaukee, Wis., Dad grew up surrounded by family, and I like to think that when he arrived at his eternal home he was finally reunited with some of his favorite people.

Dad graduated from South Milwaukee High School in 1966 and was a proud Eagle Scout. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, in 1971. Tragedy struck the family and forever altered the course of Dad’s life in 1971, when his younger brother, Dan, was killed in a car accident. In 1974, he married Mary Yuenger, a woman he made many fond memories with and remained friends with, even when life took them different directions.

An avid car-guy, my dad followed his father’s footsteps into the car business by selling cars at Mossner Porsche Audi, and was later hired by General Motors Pontiac Division. He enjoyed a nearly 20-year career with GM in the motorsports division and as a district manager, which took him from his home in Milwaukee to Chicago, and then to Los Angeles. In addition to cars, my dad loved traveling. By the time a mutual friend at GM introduced him to my mom, he had been to 49 of the 50 states — Idaho being the remaining. In 1992, he moved to Coeur d’Alene to marry Eve Knudtsen, and begin another career working in sales and management at Knudtsen Chevrolet Co. Dad was still a beloved member of the team at Knudtsen until his untimely passing. Although my parents’ marriage didn’t last, they remained colleagues, friends and partners in parenting.

When you look up the word “gentleman” in the dictionary, there is a picture of my dad. He was charming, chivalrous and thoroughly enjoyed connecting with people. He loved telling stories — especially about me — and learning about you. His favorite thing about North Idaho were the four distinct seasons and he could often be found taking in the view from his patio. He was a model train enthusiast and enjoyed fishing and reading. Among other things, my dad passed down to me a passion for the Green Bay Packers and NASCAR, as well as the unfortunate habit of being late to everything.

My dad is survived by me, his daughter, Lauren Benedict and son-in-law, Jack, of Post Falls, Idaho; parents, Orlin and Gloria (Daniels) Benedict of Traverse City, Mich; nieces, Brianna White and Cailyn Knudtsen, of Coeur d’Alene; two treasured aunts; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel; and uncles, an aunt and cousins.

We will be celebrating my dad’s life with stories and some of his favorite things at 2 p.m. on June 19, 2020, at Yates Funeral Home, 373 N. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to United Way of North Idaho, 501 E. Lakeside Ave., Suite 3, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; Kootenai Recovery Community Center, 1621 N. Third St., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814; or Grand Traverse Pavilions, 1000 Pavilions Circle, Traverse City, MI 49684 (www.gtpavilions.org/donate).

Please visit Dad’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com