Curtis E. Benning, 88, of Redfield, SD and formerly of Tulare, SD, died Friday, June 8, 2012 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield. His funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 11, 2012 at the Tulare United Church in Tulare. Pastor Lorah Houser Jankord will officiate. Burial will be in the Tulare Cemetery, with military rites. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Memorials will be directed to the Tulare Cemetery.

Curtis Elivin Benning was born on June 11, 1923 in Tulare to DB and Grayce (Arneson) Benning. He graduated from Tulare High School in 1941. He was drafted into United States Army on March 11, 1943 and he married Della Steinbis on October 3, 1943 prior to being shipped overseas. He served in the Army Air Corp on Okinawa and Saipan during WWII and was honorably discharged on December 19, 1945. He returned to Tulare and went into the trucking business with his Dad. Curt and Della purchased Harrison's Grocery in Tulare in 1961 and renamed it Curt & Della's. They were actively involved in the community for 22 years, and made many friends. They sold the store in 1983 just prior to Tulare's Centennial Celebration. Curtis also drove school bus for Tulare for over 30 years.

In 1985, Curt and Della started going to Mission, Texas for the winters. They enjoyed this annual pilgrimage for about 15 years, and made many new friends in the process.

Curt enjoyed following high school athletics (especially the Hitchcock-Tulare Patriots), hunting, fishing, camping, and playing golf at Fisher Grove. In recent years, he looked forward to his daily coffee meetings with friends and was quick to share a funny story or practical joke.

Curt is survived by his wife and three sons: Scott (Kathy) Benning, Heron, MT; Greg (Janice) Benning, Brookings, SD; and Tony (Chrystal) Benning, Madison, SD; along with 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 6 great- great grandchildren. He also enjoyed a close relationship with many nieces and nephews.

Curt was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mavis Fuss, and one infant grandchild.