Posted by:
John Eric Tamel
Posted on:
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Emil was a great friend. The last time we seen each other is when we went on a cruise together in 2015. What I remember of him was his honesty. I could always have a conversation with him about any points of life and he was there to listen. I'll miss him dearly
Posted by:
Ken “Kenny” Ryback
Posted on:
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
I first met Emil while we both worked at Jewel Osco in 1974, him at Jewel and me at Osco in Franklin Park. We forged a friendship during the next 47 years. Much too short. Though he wasn’t the oldest, he was the most level headed among the 7 of us as we would head out every Friday night during the mid-1970s, as we experienced our first taste of Old Styleand women. Emil would just roll his eyes with a smirk as the rest of us acted like 6th graders. When I went off to college at St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN, he would visit me with 2 other friends. One night, we went to a dance at St. Theresa’s, which was an all girls college campus next to St. Mary’s, which was co-Ed. They had a DJ, and Emil, of course, asked one of the girls to dance with him because she appeared more mature than the others. As usual, he was smooth as silk on the dance floor. Only to find out later that he danced with one of the nuns! Emil could care less. When he visited in the spring, we climbed the bluffs around the campus. He found a walking stick and used it all weekend. (He thought he would need it in case he came across a wolverine!) He took that stick home with him and years later, gave it to me. He engraved that stick with his name. And to this day, it resides in a corner in my dental office. I told him I’d always keep it and never use it (unless I come across a wolverine). I became his dentist the last 30 years. We weren’t close but we’re always good friends. I couldn’t stop him from talking during his appointments. It seemed like I never got anything accomplished. After the appointment was finished, he would just remain in the chair, cross his legs, and continue chatting. I would always be behind schedule when he came in for his visit. And that suited me just fine. My eyes twinkle when I think, and hope, that it will be my friend Emil to greet me with another Old Style when my time comes to join him. Until we meet again my friend!
Posted on:
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
I just heard about Emil today. I knew him from our Jewel days. Great man with a fantastic sense of humor. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Posted on:
Monday, January 3, 2022
Emil helped me learn the cash registers at dollar tree rip
Posted on:
Sunday, January 2, 2022
November 2020, I came to Schiller Park to help set up my sister’s new place before she moved in. Emil, who lived across the hall, introduced himself, then showed me his home, and gave me some of his Lobster Newberg to take home. As I was leaving, he urged me to call on him when I needed help. He was so helpful when I did ask for help. I marveled at his thoughtfulness. Sometime after my sister moved in, she talked about how good he was to her. Emil gave my family reason to mourn his passing. God bless him; there will never be another gentleman like him.
Posted on:
Sunday, January 2, 2022
I knew Emil in the 70s when we worked at Jewel. He worked in the floral dept. We would go out to a bar/club across from Jewel and Emil taught me how to disco dance. He created my wife’s flowers for our wedding 40 years ago. He picked out beautiful orchids for her. He was the core of our Nucleus of friends back then and I consider us fortunate that Emil was and always will be a part of our lives. All our thoughts are with his family and friends. Donna and Ron Klein
Posted on:
Friday, December 31, 2021
A friend to many. Our condolences and prayers to the Benak extended family. Gods speed home Emil. EAST LEYDEN HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1971
Posted on:
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
It broke my heart to hear that we lost such a wonderful person. Emil will truly be missed. With deepest sympathies to all who were blessed to know Emil.
Posted by:
Natalie M Gama
Posted on:
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Emil, you were such a gentleman and a true treasure to all of those that had the good fortune to know you. Thank you for your kindness on earth, and rest peacefully in heaven.
Posted on:
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
My heart is heavy knowing I won’t see my friend, my neighbor anymore. The last time we spoke was Christmas Eve. Emil had the kindest and biggest heart for so many in a variety of ways here at Grace Park as well as with all the many friends whose lives he touched. You will be sorely missed Emil, my friend, my neighbor. Rest In Peace
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