Jack Benkert

Jack Edward Benkert, M.D., of Grand Blanc, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, died on June 8, 2015, in Grand Blanc, MI. He was 87. Jack was born on December 19, 1927, in Reed City to Joseph H. Benkert and Lillian I. (Roberts) Benkert. On August 12, 1950, he married Patsy Ruth (Carnahan). From September 25, 1946 - January 7, 1948, Jack served in the U.S. Army as a clerk typist with the occupying forces in Japan. After his military service, he attended Capital University in Columbus, OH, followed by Wayne State University in Detroit, where he earned his medical degree in 1955 specializing in occupational medicine. Jack was a general practitioner in Goodrich and Grand Blanc until 1977, where he delivered hundreds of babies. From 1977 until his retirement in 1991, he worked for General Motors as a plant physician. Jack loved golf (10 handicap), was a skilled fisherman, a great shot as a bird hunter, and his son once saw him bowl over 200. He built a dark room and was an avid photographer, could play the ukulele, once built a stereo from scratch, was not bad as a painter, could tap dance a little, and collected hats. He had a deep bass voice and loved to sing, whether as part of a barbershop quartet or in the choir of First Presbyterian Church in Flint. In 1980 he suffered a debilitating stroke, but he never lost his sense of humor and remained, as ever, a deeply kind and generous man. He was particularly amused by children and always kept a spare Tootsie Pop in his coat pocket for them. Jack will be deeply missed by his children Catherine (Steve) Bean of Lapeer, Joseph D. Benkert of Seattle, and Amy (John) Cant of Ann Arbor; grandchildren, Ryan (Autumn) Bean and Alejandro Cant; great-grandchildren, Aiden and Caleb Bean; brother, David (Joyce) Benkert, and many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy; his sister, Marian Auel; and his parents Joseph and Lillian. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jack may be made to Priority Children, 902 E. Sixth Street, Flint, MI 48503. Visitation will be 2:00 pm, Friday, June 19th, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 pm, both at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Rd, Flint, MI 48507.

Visitation

Friday, June 19, 2015 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center
6063 Fenton Road Flint 48507, United States

Funeral Service

Friday, June 19, 2015 3:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center
6063 Fenton Road Flint 48507, United States