Feb. 28, 1928 - Aug. 20, 2010SOUTH BEND - Richard N. Benko, 82, residing in South Bend, passed away Friday, August 20, 2010. He was born February 28, 1928, in South Bend, to the late Joseph and Ulee (McClane) Benko, and had remained a lifelong resident. Mr. Benko was owner-operator of Benko & Sons Gas Station for 40 years. He retired from there in 1986. He then worked for CE Lee from 1986-1990. On December 1, 1948, in South Bend, he was united in marriage to Betty Baker, who passed away on November 1, 1975. Then on Sept. 29, 1978, in South Bend, he married Sherrie Stockman O'Lena. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Sherrie. Also surviving are two sons, David (Rosa) Benko of Newburg, IN, and Michael (Marianne) Benko of Nederland, TX; a stepdaughter, Connie (Michael) Bolt of Woodstock, GA; and a stepson, Brian (Jill) O'Lena of Hartford, WI. Also surviving are two sisters, Ora Lee Crowel of South Bend and Rosemary (Robert) McCloughan of Elkhart; eight grandchildren, David Benko, Kimberly Koloszar, Adam O'Lena, Skye Bolt, Brennen O'Lena, Kim Karkawicz, Mike Bender and Dawn Spaulding; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Benko. Mr. Benko was a member of First Brethren Church and the Indiana Garage Owners Association. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 24th, in First Brethren Church, 4909 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend. Rev. Larry Baker will officiate. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, and one hour prior to services Tuesday in the church. Memorials on behalf of Mr. Benko may be made to the church or to The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Online condolences may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.