Jack Benoit - Winterset

Jack Benoit, 83, of Winterset, passed away January 3, 2016. Visitation will be Thursday, January 7, from noon to 7 PM at McCalley-Collins Funeral Home in Winterset with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 PM. Services will be 10:00 AM Friday, January 8, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be in the Winterset Cemetery. Jack was born January 11, 1932 at Dakota City, Iowa to Leo and Gladys Benoit. He was a lifelong resident of Winterset. He was a Winterset High School graduate and furthered his education in Oklahoma. While attending college, Jack joined the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in the Philippines. Jack was united in marriage on March 18, 1956 to Patsy Wilson. They were married for 50 years when Patsy passed away in 2006. Jack and Patsy had three children, Lance, Tricia and Jami. Jack started his career working in a family grocery store, Benoit's Town & Country Market on East Court. He, along with his father, founded Dreamer Campers in the 1960's. Jack and Patsy started their restaurateur career with the Benoit Drive-In in Winterset, which included carhops. Their next venture would be the Iowa State Fair, where they started with snow cone and toy stand concessions. In 1969, Jack and Patsy built their first themed permanent building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, "Master Jack's". In 1971 they constructed "Diamond Jack's", their second permanent building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. During these years, Jack also spent time and enjoyed many years working for the former Ardan's Department Store as a salesman and a buyer. He also worked for US Homes and Younkers Store for Homes. Jack always enjoyed negotiating a good deal. Up until January 3rd, he was actively involved in his business at the Iowa State Fair. Jack was a lifetime member of the Madison County Historical Society, the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, Iowa State University Athletics, V.F.W., American Legion, and IAFE (Independent Association Fair Expos). Jack loved to travel with his family to the Big 8/12 Basketball Tournament, enjoyed traveling to Okoboji where he loved to fish, and was a wildlife conservationist. He loved animals. Jack most loved and was proud of his children and grandchildren. Besides family, Jack's biggest love was working and creating new ideas for his Iowa State Fair Concessions. Jack was loved and survived by his children; Lance (Tami) Benoit of Winterset (and their children, Chelsey (Brandon) Schroeder of Urbandale and Chance Benoit of Winterset), Tricia (Bob) Behlers of Sioux City (and their children, Mallory and Quinton), and Jami (Brad) Yeager of Ottumwa (and their children, Devin (Megan) Yeager, Sarah, Jessica, and Nathan); dearest friends, Javier and Gloria; and many other family, friends, and concessionaires. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Patsy; parents, Leo and Gladys Benoit; and brother, Bob Benoit. Memorials may be made to HCI Hospice or the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. Service: 10:00 AM Friday January 8, 2016 McCalley - Collins Funeral Home Winterset Visitation: Noon to 7 PM Family Receiving Friends from 5 to 7 PM McCalley - Collins Funeral Home Winterset