William James Benda
1940-2023
William “Bill” James Benda was born April 12th, 1940, to James and Tillie Benda and passed away June 5th, 2023. Bill fought hard to beat his cancer, but at 83 years of age, he fought as long as he could. Bill peacefully passed away at his home in Edmond, OK surrounded by his loving wife Margot and his three children.
Bill was born in Chicago, Ill. He was the oldest of two children, big brother to sister Carolyn Sakalis.
Bill attended school and earned a degree in Design Engineering. After school, Bill married Margot Jean Scott on June 13th, 1964. He later went to work at Autoquip in Chicago, and a few years later, had the opportunity to open a new branch of Autoquip in Guthrie, OK, which he moved his family to Edmond, OK in 1974. Bill continued working for Autoquip, until his retirement in 2001.
Bill enjoyed many things in life; he was an avid outdoorsman with the Elk Grove Village Sportsman Club, enjoyed taking summer vacations, coaching little league baseball, crafting pine wood derby cars, manicuring his yard, enjoying time with his grandkids but most of all, there was golf. Whether it was watching golf on television, playing it, or helping others with their game, Bill loved the game of golf.
He was many things to many people. A friend who he would do anything for, a great grandfather to his grandchildren, an understanding and supportive father, to the perfect husband to Margot, Bill was loved by anyone who met him.
Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years Margot, son Kevin (Shannon) Benda, daughter Kelly (Steve) Griffis, and son, Jeffrey (Susie) Benda. Nine grandchildren; Zachary, Kaleb, Erica, Jacob, Kelby, Alex, Riley, Megan, and Nathan. Many more family members, and many friends mourn his loss.
Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Bill’s life in their own way.
While no services are planned, his family welcomes and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
Bill was an Autoquip Engineer and was the father of a huge amount of Autoquip products such as Bascule bridges, Apes and Drapes, Truck levelers, Super titans Surgical tables, and many other lifts.
If it was special he was part of the design team that made it come to reality. The old way. Manual calculations and Manual drawings.
Bill was a fine brilliant man and would do anything for you and the company.
He will greatly be missed by many people.
He has left his mark on this world in a excellent way.
Kenneth E. Wilkinson Jr.
Bill (Willie) to many was a dear freind that I became close to at Autoquip and even after his retirement we stayed in touch and shared many home cooked steak dinners and home made ribs complimented with top shelf bourbon. Great person with immense talent and wisdom he was willing to share. Willie was a prime example of the human experience, always willing to challenge his contemporaries and shine a light on what could be.
He fought the good fight with his mental “Never Quit” attitude until his body failed him, we all can draw a strength from his disposition on life.
I will miss my good friend, I know he is in a better place with a renewed sense of energy and outlook on his new advenures.
Gods Speed
Donald W Crabtree