Timothy Roy Benaka

Timothy Roy Benaka Tim Benaka, born September 11, 1956, to Roy and MaryAnn Benaka, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2022 at Midland Hospice in Topeka, KS, due to ongoing medical conditions. Tim is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Sue, his brothers Tom, John, Mark, and sister Sylvia Warner. Tim will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts and uncles. Also surviving is Tim and Sue's "Little Brother" of 33 years, Justin Russell and his family. Tim was preceded in death by his mother and father. Tim attended Topeka Lutheran School, Curtis Jr. High before graduating from Topeka High School and Kaw Valley Area Vo-Tech in 1974. He delivered Topeka Capital Journal evening editions and sold Grit newspapers during his school years. He worked at several local service stations as an auto mechanic while in high school. He could often be found in the evenings on south Topeka Blvd. when in high school. He really enjoyed being out in his hot rod Chevy Nova and catching up with his buddies on the day's events. After graduation Tim worked for Armco Steel, and then the City Water Dept. for two years. He moved on to the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority as a diesel mechanic, retiring after 27 years as lead mechanic. While at TMTA Tim was a proud union member and steward. During his time at TMTA Tim continued working on cars out of his two-bay shop they had built behind the house; rightfully named In/Out Auto Repair. He truly had a deep passion for auto repair and helping others with their automobile issues. Tim and Sue enjoyed vacationing and traveling, especially to Panama City, FL, visiting the nearby islands and staying at the Driftwood Lodge on each trip. They continued enjoying the lake life, relaxing and boating at Lake Toronto near Yates Center, for the last 12 years after purchasing and remodeling a cabin there. Tim discovered a new trade of remodeling with the cabin project, which he became very good at until his health began to decline. Tim and Sue also ventured into NHRA drag racing for a number of years, owning their own car and hauler. They enjoyed traveling the Midwest Region participating in sanctioned racing events in numerous states. Tim's wishes were to be cremated and not have a funeral service; but definitely a party. To honor that wish Sue and the family will be having a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 13, from noon to 7pm at Lake Shawnee Shelter house #6. Food and drinks will be available, so please stop in and visit with Tim's family and friends. We'd love to hear your favorite stories and memories of him. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Sue Benaka to be applied towards medical expenses. Please make checks payable to Sue sent in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SW 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66606.