Harold R. Benedict, 93, of Sparta died Monday, October 15, 2007 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. He was born on January 19, 1914 in Sparta to Earl and Marjorie (Blackburn) Benedict. He grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 1932. Harold attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1932 until 1933.

     He married the former Margaret Schoonmaker in 1936. After marriage they lived in Sparta. He worked at the Ford dealership in Sparta as a parts man and then later became part owner. Harold then worked at the Job Corps for one year and then worked at Fort McCoy for 9 ½ years.

     Harold enjoyed boating. He and his family had a summer home in Hatfield, WI for over 20 years. He also spent summers in Minoqua, Woodruff, and the Rhinelander, WI areas. He lived at the Morrow Parkview Apartments in Sparta since 2004. He was a stamp collector and enjoyed paint by number projects.

     He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and served as Master of the Lodge in 1956. He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron in 1960. He was a 32^nd degree Mason and joined the Zor Shriners.

     Harold was an avid sports fan, enjoyed the Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers. He enjoyed all sports. He was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Sparta since 1926 and sang in the choir for 75 years. He was a past member of the Sparta City Band as a trumpet player.

     He is survived by two sons, Robert (Linda) Benedict of Sarona, WI and Alba, TX, Charles “Lynn” (Carol) Benedict of Melrose, WI; a daughter, Ann (Russ) Foth of Spencer, WI; 12 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren, and 1 niece.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret; a grandson; two great grandchildren, and a sister, Lucille.  

     Funeral services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, Sparta with Reverend Deris Rice officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. There will be an Order of Eastern Star Service and  Masonic Rites  at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

     The Lanham- Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.