Raymond "Ray" J. Benegas

Raymond “Ray” J. Benegas, 85, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Tea Thyme, 2021 6th Avenue South – Fort Dodge. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. 

Raymond was born May 14, 1939, in Fort Dodge, the son of Angelo and Pearl (Umbaugh) Benegas. He graduated from St. Edmond Catholic School in 1957. On November 5, 1966, he was united in marriage to Joyce A. Kempley in Sioux Falls, SD. Over the years, he worked for the City of Fort Dodge, owned/operated Ray’s Maidrite, the Fort Dodge Messenger and Daniel Pharmacy until his retirement in 2023. His passion for sports was evident in everything he did. Whether it was going to sporting events, playing basketball, racquetball, or softball, Ray's heart belonged to the world of athletics. A dedicated fan, Ray found joy in watching sports, especially cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Iowa State teams. Beyond the realm of sports, Ray found joy in simple pleasures like working in the yard and tending to his lawn. Gathering with family and friends to play card games and Mexican dominoes brought him immense joy. Ray also enjoyed casino trips and family vacations that were often centered around baseball fields. Most of all he loved his family.

Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years: Joyce Benegas of Fort Dodge; 3 children: Lori Kelly and husband Brendan of Oklahoma, Racquel Benegas (Kyle Sindlinger) of Fort Dodge and Michelle Benegas of Blairsburg, IA; 2 grandchildren: Stefanie Kempinger of Overland Park, KS and Mia Wood of Oklahoma; and 2 great grandchildren: Arianna and Emmani. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and 17 siblings including Josephine Monson, Louise Herrington, Manuel Benegas, Angelo Benegas Jr., Burdina Juarez, Margaret Benegas, Helen Wyatt and Joe Benegas.