Mark Benoit

A man who fully appreciated every breath he was given, Mark Benoit made no secret of the fact that he felt he was the luckiest man around. He took nothing for granted and viewed the love he shared with his family and friends to be his most treasured gift. Because of his humility, spirit of generosity, and unconditional love, Mark was a blessing to so many within his reach, making a positive impact in the lives of those too numerous to count. A lifelong resident of the community he loved, he worked hard and played, hard, too, his life enriched in so many ways. Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Mark will be greatly missed while his memory is forever cherished.

As the decade that is often referred to as the ‘Nifty Fifties” dawned on the horizon, America was poised for greatness. The baby boom was underway after countless young servicemen and women returned stateside after WWII. One such couple who was happy to be reunited was Leandre Benoit and Geraldine Martin, and they made their love official in the late forties. They had cause for great celebration as they became the parents to their son, Michael, and it was on November 25, 1950, that they welcomed their son, Mark Alan, into their hearts and lives at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois.

The two Benoit boys were raised on the family farm just north of St. George, and right from the start Mark was a fighter as he overcame a bout with the croup as a baby. When he was eight years old Mark and his brother welcomed a second brother, Merle, into the fold. Mark and Merle formed a special bond that remained with them throughout the rest of Mark’s life. Mark helped Merle learn to walk by coaxing him with a large comb.

In many ways Mark experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. As someone who was bubbly and outspoken he became a dominant force in the family. Mark greatly admired his father, as young boys so often do, and he wanted nothing more than to follow in his father’s footsteps. Perhaps that is why Mark developed a lifelong passion for farming.

As a student Mark attended local schools including Bishop McNamara High School. After graduating from high school in 1968, he went on to the newly formed Kankakee Community College, becoming part of the first class of graduates in 1970. From there Mark continued his education at Southern Illinois University, earning a degree in agricultural management in 1972.

Not to be forgotten during Mark’s years at SIU was his introduction to the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Brenda Jans, and from the moment he laid eyes on her Mark was smitten. He even told his best friend, Dennis O’Connor, that he was going to marry that girl one day - and this was before they had even gone out on one date! Mark proved to be correct, however, as he married his sweetheart on September 1, 1973, at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Kankakee.

Excited for what the future held, Mark and Brenda settled into married life. Mark worked as a farmer raising pigs, and he also worked at Whitaker Elevator as well. Just a couple of years later Brenda’s father became ill and was forced to retire from the greenhouse business. As a result, Mark and Brenda in addition to Mark’s cousin, Vince, and his wife, Christine, purchased the greenhouse, embarking on a new and exciting journey. Although he left his work at the elevator, Mark continued to farm while also raising flowers. The greenhouse business flourished under the leadership of the foursome, and Benoit Greenhouses were a complete success.

Flowers were not the only thing growing in Mark’s life as he and Brenda were blessed with the birth of their son, James in 1975. With the births of their twins, Kate and Kevin in 1983, their family of five was complete. Mark’s family meant everything to him, and there was nothing sweeter than when he and Brenda welcomed grandchildren into the mix. He was delighted to welcome Samantha, Cole, Kody, and Evan into his life, and was happiest whenever the whole family was gathered together.

By the end of 1990 Mark found a “little” piece of land that he wanted to buy. Although he had told Brenda that he was looking for only 40 acres, he found 204 acres instead, and Brenda graciously agreed. In 1989 Mark had sold his portion of the greenhouse business to Vince, which provided him more time for farming. He later took on a part-time job to help Tony Panozzo with going to the market in Chicago. As he later allowed others to cash rent his farm, Mark went to work for his longtime friend, Ray St. Aubin, at Manteno Township before eventually retiring.

Throughout his life Mark was a man of many interests. He enjoyed both the White Sox and Bears, and he loved playing cards whenever he could get a good game together. As his friends and family can attest, Mark was a John Deere man through and through. He even joked with neighbors and said even his underwear was green! Mark was also a NASCAR fan who loved helping his boys with the pumpkin farm.

Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, Mark Benoit was a humble man who never worried about building great wealth, but focused on living life on purpose each day. As a farmer and family man he could relate to his favorite song, “Lucky Man,” as all he needed was a piece of land, the love of his wife, and a growing family who made him so proud. Mark will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Mark Alan Benoit of Limestone Twp., IL, died on November 10, 2012. Mark’s family includes his wife, Brenda, of Limestone Twp.; children, James (Tiffany) of Limestone, Kate (Corey) Bennett of St. Anne, IL, and Kevin (April) of Bradley, IL; grandchildren, Samantha Martin, Cole and Kody Bennett, and Evan Benoit; brothers, Michael (Linda) of Bradley, IL and Merle (Karen) of Limestone, IL. Mark was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Lynn Benoit, and his parents. A gathering time for family and friends will be Wednesday, November 14, 2012, from 4-8 p.m. at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Lifestory Funeral Home with an 11:00 memorial service Thursday, November 15, 2012, also at the Kankakee Chapel. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to Bishop McNamara High School or Hospice of Kankakee Valley. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory.