Benny Hochman

Benny Hochman, 89 of Sidney, Nebraska passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, May 29, 2013 at the Sidney Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 1, 2013 in the First United Methodist Church in Sidney with the Rev. Thomas Hyde officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013 from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Holechek Funeral Home with the family present from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00P.M.

In lieu flowers memorials have been established to the First United Methodist Church or Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado.

You can view the online obituary and share condolences with the family at http://www.holechekfuneralhomes.com

Benny was born February 10, 1924 in Lodz, Poland. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ita Hochman, one brother and two sisters, all of whom perished from Nazi persecution during World War II. Due to his phenomenal courage, strength and endurance he survived abject conditions for five years in Nazi slave labor and death camps. He was liberated from Buchenwald on April 11, 1945 as the sole surviving member of his family. He was also preceded in death by his first wife Bernadine Rogers Hochman.

Benny was an indefatigable supporter of many local and national community and charitable organizations. He was a lifetime member of Jaycees, a 20 year Board of Directors member of Nebraska Blue Cross Blue Shield, long time member of Kiwanis Club, Fort Sidney Colonels, American Legion Baseball Director, for many years served as Director of United Way Fund, named an Admiral of the State of Nebraska Navy, named Citizen of the Year in Sidney, received the Trailblazers Award from the Governor of Nebraska (2004) was named to the Hall of Fame Junior Chamber of Commerce, served on the Sidney School Board, City Council member and tireless fundraiser for the Western Nebraska College Endowment Fund.

His other proud accomplishments were publishing his book, “From Hell to Here” as well as frequently delivering lectures on the horrors of the Holocaust. He was also honored to lend his singular skill at preparing his special sauerkraut which sold by the truckload at the annual Oktoberfest. And to the amusement of his neighbors, he was happily the self-appointed “Mayor” of Alvarado Road.

With his stalwart faith in freedom, education and equal opportunity Benny was always ready to help others. He will be remembered by his tireless and unyielding determination to make the world a better place. Whether in his garden, traveling with his wife, kibitzing with his friends over coffee or out promoting his latest cause, Benny was an undeniably positive force in the world. He will be deeply missed by all.

Benny is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Marie. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Rose Lee Holechek (late Richard Holechek) Ogallala NE, Judith Hochman (Bill Stikker),Olympia, WA, Bruce Hochman (Lori), Peaks Island, ME and Donna Gorrie (Alan) Sidney, NE. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Rhett Holechek, Ryan Holechek, Ashleigh Fasulo, Ryder Hochman, Cole Stiles, Seth Stiles, Drew Stiles. Additionally, he is survived by three great grandchildren, Landon Holechek, Lucy Holechek and Macsen Holechek and special friends Bill and Linda Walters.

Holechek Funeral Home and Cremations in Sidney is serving the Hochman family.