Mike Benke Obituary

Mike you are gone, but never forgotten. I will always hear your jokes, and see your smile. I did not know this guest book was on here for you, and your family. May God Bless you and your family.

YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

To you a HERO and BROTHER!!!! To your family, firefighters, and friends our hearts are with you and may you be at peace knowing he is ok and died doing what he loved to do. There are never words that can make you feel better just good memories and support from others. You will all be in our prayers and we will never forget!!
Jessica and Jourdon Pope
MarMac VFD Goldsboro NC

Be prayerful and continue to hold to God's unchanging hands. He's able to carry you thru.
May His peace be with each of you.

To the dear family of Mike Benke,
Though I didnt know Capt Benke personally, I did get to meet him one afternoon. I had been to 3 other fire stations looking for a fireman to help me install my daughters carseat for the first time to make sure it was done correctly and safely. Finally I got to his station and told my story and what I needed one more time. Capt Benke jumped up and said "I can do that... come on." He then spent the next 2 hours struggling with my carseat to make sure it was done just right. I should have thanked him more and done something special for him and the other 2 fireman that helped him. I didnt and I couldnt regret it more now. But I wont let another moment like that pass again without proper thanks. So I am here to say thank you for letting the City of Charleston and residents like me borrow your family member when we needed them. We are praying for you and we will never forget what they do everyday for us!

To the family , loved ones and The City of Charleston Fire Department,
my deepest heartfelt sympathy is extended to all of you during this
tragic and sad difficult time. May
God be with all of you and keep you in his care.
Love from a native Charlestonian.

Kim, Hunter and Family,

I was horrified to hear about this tragedy. It was heart-wrenching when it occurred in West Ashley and heart-breaking when the names were announced. West Ashley has grown some through the years but we always seem to find a way every now and again to bump into each other. We were fortunate to grow up in a time and place that we could get along so well.

Mike Benke was a hero and will be missed. He labored in a profession that most would have no problem with paying to do nothing. Unfortunately, that is not what a firefighter does.

This is a painful time but keep in mind that there are many, many helpful hands in West Ashley. My brother stated it earlier and I will repeat it, you are in our prayers.

I pray that the entire Benke and Cofield family, friends, and fellow firefighters find Comfort and strength in the Lord. We never quite understand why He does what He does, but we must know it was for a good reason.

HUNTER AND THE BENKE FAMILY:
HUNTER I AM SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR DAD.HE IS A TRUE HERO. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. HOPE TO TALK TO YOU SOON!!!

God bless you during this time.

OUR FAMILY is in mourning with YOUR FAMILY. God's blessings.

To Andy and the Benke family - On behalf of all at Pet Helpers Rescue and Adoption Shelter, James Island, Bob and I, we send you our deepest sympathy and prayers that God will help you through this most painful time. Please know how much we thank and appreciate all Mike did, his dedication to duty, his love of the fire department and his work. These incredible men are there with no questions asked to protect us and our homes and property, in emergencies and accidents, and also, for animals who need help too.
They have been there for Pet Helpers when we have called for a creature in need.It is hard to comprehend this loss, not only to the community and fellow firemen, but for your family. God Bless you - we wont ever forget.

God Bless the family. Thank You Firefighter Benke for protecting us. May you rest in peace. You helped me organize a rescue team down on the docks for U.S. Customs.

Kim and family,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I truly cannot express my heartfelt sorrow and love for you and your family.

I'm so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers. Please have peace of mind knowing he is going to a better place.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this tragic time.

I just want to say Thank you. I do not know what else to say. Your loved one gave his life, so that others could live. There is no greater love or commitment. A true man of God.

I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR YOU,

To The Benke Family,All of you are in our Thoughts & Prayers,God will get you through these sad days ahead,God Bless each and everyone of you.Mike you are Our Hero,you will never be Forgotton.Love Through Christ !!

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Kim,
I know we haven't talked in a while, but as soon as I heard Mike's name, my heart broke for you and your kids. I wish that I could be there to give you a big hug! Please know that I am praying for you and your family and am here for you if you need me. Mike was a loving father and husband and he will definitely be missed. I will continue to pray for you and the entire Benke family. God bless!

My God bless you and be with you and your family.You are in my prays

Holly,

It breaks my heart to find that you have lost your dad in this tragedy. I know what the loss of a father feels like, but I can't begin to imagine what you might be going through. Your father was a hero to many and will be remembered. I haven't seen or talked with you since our days in the MHS band, but I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.

I say Thank You for all your hard work and dedication to the community.He was a hero and he will never be forgotten.May God Bless your family.I will lift you up in my prayers.May God give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. I went to school with Holly in the 7th/8th grade and as soon as I heard Mr. Benke's name I immediately thought of Holly. God bless you all and I am praying that your families get through all of this. Much Love

To Kim and the family, My husband and I are so sorry for the loss of Mike. I worked with him for a while at Sears and could not have asked for a better person to train me. You and your family are in our prayers.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

You are a hero, God Bless

My sinceres condolences for your loss. Mr. Benke was a very sweet and kind man. Holly, My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

May God Bless you and your family in your time of loss. God will be a shoulder for you to lean/cry on. I will continue to pray for the family as time goes on.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

With deepest sympathy to the Benke family.My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless You! Rest in Peace "Cap". I'll see you on the other side "brother".Travis Baxter(Atlanta Fire)

I grew up with Mike Benke and used to go over to his house and play with him when we were around 8 years old. I can still freshly see in my mind sitting at his kitchen table at his house in East Oak Forest with Mike Benke and Kenneth Lerhman talking with Mike's mom who was always so nice. Needless to say I was shocked when I saw Mike's name on the list of firefighters that were lost. I have not seen him since the 1980's and have never met his family but I pray that the Lord will comfort them during this time of grief. As for me I say so long friend and will one day see you again...

Dear Benke family and friends

I send the warmth of the angels to wrap around you and comfort you. Mr. Benke is still coaching and watches over you all and keeps you safe. I send prayers to you.

Love Karen in Texas

MAY GOD BE WITH YOU IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

LAVETTA FLAGG & FAMILY

To the family of Mike Benke
I am so sorry for your loss and the loss for the charleston community . I watch the Memorial service on television this morning and i cried like a baby. I just want the family to know that you are not in this alone. I care and i will pray the your hearts to heal.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.

The Benke Family,
Not long ago, I lost my house to a raging fire, and I will always respect and hurt for the HEROES that were lost on Monday, they do a service that the rest of run from. My hat is off to the all firefighters that risk their lives to save ours. May God be with you in these dark hours.

I'm so sorry for your loss. All of our lives have been touched by this brave man. He's a true hero and will be remembered always.

To The Benke Family:

May God continue to be with you through this time.

God Bless!

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I would like to express my sympathy to the family of Mike Benke. My brother in-law was officer Jeff Shelton of the Charlotte-Meck police department who lost his life in April so I know a little of what you are feeling. My prayers are with your family and friends. May God give you strength and bless you.

To the Benke Family;
May God give you strength, comfort, and peace during this sad time. Always remember that He is right there for you because He has promised never to leave you nor forsake you. Hold on to the memories of your love one and know that you all are in my prayers.

I am so sorry for your lose. This was such a tragedy. I hope your faith keeps you and your family strong. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Life is truely so short. Live, Laugh, Love.

"The hero is commonly the simplest and obscurest of men."

~Henry David Thoreau~

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." ~ John 15:13
(SC)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My family would like to send our deepest thoughts and prayers to your family and say thank you for allowing your husband/father to be all of ours savior and hero.

We mourn with you on your loss. Our community has lost a great man. We pray that God will give you strength and peace in the days and weeks to come.

My prayers are with you and your family.

I did not know Mr. Benke personally but this event has truly touched my heart and something I will never forget. I wanted to share with you as I rode over the James Island connector the day after, I noticed that the sunset was directly over the area of West Ashley. It was like no other I have seen before. The suns rays were shining down thru the clouds and the way it was doing so appeared to be 9 rays of light.. I wished I had a camera to share with everyone because I truly know in my heart that those rays of light were of 9 heros shining down on all of us. May you find comfort from the memories and beauty in the sunset knowing that they are shining down on you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely, Amy

I'm so sad for your loss. Mike was a true hero. There are many strangers like me who are praying for you.

Kim, Hunter and family

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike was a truely good person.

To the Benke family,
Sorry for your loss, take comfort in knowing that he will always be our hero.

Holly,
It has really been a while since we spoke but my prayers or with you and your family. If their is anything that I can do please just let me know.

to the family and friend of mr benke he is in a better place and dont frown smile cause he died doing what he loved to do and thats save lives he will always be remembered as an hero in my eyes and in the eyes of all charlestonians and beyond R.I.P MR BENKE

To The Benke Family

May God forever bless and keep you as you go thru the trying days. Earth has know sorrow that heaven can not heal. My dad (Bobby Brown) is a retired firerfighter and he worked with Mr.Benke, May God Bless You

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

May God bless you in your time of sorrow we will continue to keep your family in our prayers

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Our Nine(On The Hero’s Highway)
(VERSE)
Our Nine, left home like any other day
Our Nine, suited up to fight the flames
Our Nine, as the temperature did rise
Our Nine

Our Nine, would not retreat from the fire
Our Nine, put others first to save a life
Our Nine, never made it back this time
Our Nine

(CHORUS)
Sirens, Flames, Valor, Smoke and Steel
The clanging bells of Charleston’s Best
Stood tall, dug in their heels
And The Auto Mile will never be the same
Now they’re on The Hero’s Highway
Where Our Nine earned their wings

(VERSE)
Our Nine, Billy, Mike, Melven and Brad
Our Nine, Mark, Michael, Earl , Brandon
Our Nine, Louis was the coach, of
Our Nine


(REPEAT CHORUS)
Sirens, Flames, Valor, Smoke and Steel
The clanging bells of Charleston’s Best
Stood tall, dug in their heels
And The Auto Mile will never be the same
Now they’re on The Hero’s Highway
Where Our Nine earned their wings...fly home

LYRICS MAY BE REPRINTED TO HONOR THE VALOR OF “OUR NINE”
THE FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FROM CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA.
NO COMMERCIAL USE, COPYRIGHT NOTICE MUST BE INCLUDED IN ALL REPRINTS.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, COPYRIGHT 2007, KIRK WESLEY BOLAND


You may listen or download this song for free. It is not for sale.
It was only written to pay tribute to the Valor of Our Nine Fallen Heroes.

Respectfully,

Kirk Wesley Boland
P.O. Box 10
Smoaks, SC 29481

My thoughts & prayers are with the Benke family.May God Bless you & help you in this time of sorrow.Your loved one gave his life to save the lives of others.He is a true hero..Carol-an EMT-mom of a firefigher/emt & mom in law of a firefighter/emt..

Benke Family;
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for your family for the loss of your loved one.
Respectfully;
Mr.& Mrs. Ralph Stewart & Family

Although we never had the opportunity to meet Mike, we wanted you to know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Benke Children,
True heroes are like precious gems, rare and hard to find. Your father was one. May his legacy and the memories you created with him bring you peace in the coming days and years.
Kim,
Losing your love and best friend is something no one will ever truly understand unless they have been through it themself. So we do not pretend to understand the pain you are feeling. However, our family is a military family--not all that different then a firefighter's family. Our brave men put the duty of the uniform before all else. We know the risks involved, but we stand by them and watch as they bravely move forward in their mission to protect others. May the comfort of knowing your husband was a true HERO provide you peace in the days to come.

God Bless You,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please let us know if we can help in anyway.

God Bless,
Jim, Suzy, Emily, Bill, Catherine & Chris Gibson

TO THE BENKE FAMILY
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AT THIS TIME AND THE DAYS AHEAD.

Romans 6:23
May GOD bless and comfort you and your family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

I would like to send my condolences to you and your family. May God be with you.

Holly,
I haven't seen you since high school and I just wanted you to know how very sorry I am for your loss. Your father is truly a HERO and will never be forgotten. May God Bless you and give you peace during this difficult time.

I would just like to offer my deepest sympathy to the Benke family. May God give you strength and his grace. Always know that He is in a wonderful place free from heartache and pain. Know that he left this world doing a wonderful thing, saving lives. May God bless you.

Kim,Holly,Taylor,Hunter,Christopherand Kaylee:

There are people you grow up with, that you never forget. Mike was a great friend to me in school. I am so glad that thru my work, I got to meet you all. I am so blessed that I got to see and talk to Mike again, after many years. Kim you were so kind and to me, giving me encouraging words, no matter how long between visits, always asking about my husband when he had throat cancer. Mike had a big heart and always had kind words. I know he is with God now, and my prayer is that each one you will turn to God, today and in the many days and years ahead.
Blessed ARE THEY THAT MOURN; FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED.
God Bless all of you!

To the Benke family:
May God bless you all. I have new found respect for firefighter's everywhere. Let God comfort you hearts. City Of Chas employee

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

May God comfort you during this time.

Dear Kim,
I want you to know that you, and the children, are in my thoughts and prayers...Please let me know if there is anything I can do. My deepest condolences, Joe

Dear Kim,
I want you to know that you and the children are in my thoughts and prayers...Please let me know if there is anything I can do. My deepest condolences, Joe

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Holly,
We haven't talked or seen each other since 8th grade at Charleston Christian School. My thoughts and prayers goes out to you and your family. God will always be with you. He is a great hero to us all.

My heart goes out to all of Mike's family and friends. I did not know him but we are blessed to have someone like him watching out for us. Our firefighters are always there when we need them. God bless you.

To Mike's family, Kim, our family has suffered great losses lately, so I know how hard this is for you--all. I believe Mike was a fellow student when I lived on John's Island many years ago. I just found out that my second cousin--my daughter's age, 21, fell from a roof in Columbia … and now this! God be with us all during these times of great, great sorrow. All our love to you, from our family.

To the family and friends of Mike allow me to express my deepest sorrow for your loss. I am a first responder for SCE&G Gas Operations in Charleston. I can't count the number of times the City of Charleston Fire Department has responded to the same cut gas lines and covered our backs as we made repairs. I did not know Mike well but I knew he was there for me and for that I am grateful. God Bless you all.

The Fireman's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God,
Where're the flames may rage,
Give me strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late,
Or save some older person from
The horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
And hear the weakest shout
And quickly and effectively
To put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
And give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor
And protect his property;
And if according to Your will,
I have to lose my life
Please bless with Your protecting hand
My children and my wife.
Amen.

rest now my fallen brother
lay soft your suffering back
rest well and forever
your memory shall not lack
rest your tired hands
wipe clean your weary brow
rest with st. florian
your spirit now endowed
rest here your breaking heart
we know you gave your all
rest easy, you've done your part
you've answered your last call
rest knowing that in god we sought
oh lord, watch over another who just fell
rest assured your troubled thought
as we ring the final bell

To the family of our Hero, may God bless you and his love comfort you during these times

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to your family. I would like to say thank you for all the hard work your loved one did to protect strangers everyday. He put his life on the line to save the lives of others.May God give you the peace that surpasses all understanding. I will continue to pray for your family.

I did not know Mike but my son is also a firefighter in Richmond, Va. My heart goes out to your family. Just know that Mike will always be a hero and we will all see him again some day. Your faimly is in my thoughts and prayers.

Glenda Mooney( A firefighters mother from Richmd, VA.)

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and all the other firefighters families.

Holly,

My Thoughts and prayers are with you. It has been years since we have talked but I know how hard this must be on you. Your father is a hero. Think of him as your guardian angel in heaven watching over you and your family. He will protect you from above. May god bless you and your family and lookout for you through these hard times.

To the Family of such a Courageous, Kind,& Generous man who has provided so much compassion during the most difficult times of our lives.

Words are never sufficient at moments such as these, but hopefully the love and support of countless friends and family members will give you the strength to face these next days.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Kim and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these times. The word hero doesn’t begin to express the respect that Mike has exemplified. To be part of the most courageous and bravest profession in our society shows how dedicated these fine men were. We are behind you and your family; please do not hesitate to ask if you need anything. God Bless You and remember that the Middleton Class of 1981 is praying and are here for you.

To the family of Mike Benke,
May the Lord be with you during your time of bereavement.

We did not know Mike personally, but we are from a family of fire fighters. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. There are few words of comfort during a tragic loss as this. The nation mourns with you and Mike's sacrifice will not go unnoticed. He is a true Hero and will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with all of you.
With sincere sympathy,
Carolyn Watts & Family

To the family of Mr. Benke,
Although I did not know your loved one, I am heartbroken about this. I know what it feels like to lose people that you love, trust me when I say that this man is a HERO in many ways. He put his life on the line for strangers that probably never got to say Thank You and so for all of them and for myself I say Thank you.Thank you for letting us have a part of your loved one as each day he left for his job, it was with pride and dedication. I know that the clouds hang low at this time, but the sun will shine again, and it is within that sunshine you will feel his presence and know that just like he dedicated himself to his job, he devoted himself to you. His love will surround you more than you know, and each day will bring old memories to mind and you will be able to smile again. My prayers are with you and he will never be forgotten. Weeping May Endure For a Night, but Joy Will Come In The Morning.

My thoughts and prayers to the family of a very heroic and courageouse firefighter that risked his life to save ours. May god bless each and evey one of you durning your time of loss.

I can not believe this horrible tragedy took place! My heart is heavy with sadness for Mike's wife, children, family and everyone who knew & loved him. To say Mike was a wonderful man does not seem adequate, however the right words escape me. I will never forget him. I know he is being sadly missed by many.