Benjamin "Ben" Lelchook

Benjamin "Ben" Lelchook, 95, of Sioux City passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008, at a Sioux City hospital following a brief illness.

Graveside services were held June 8, 2008 in Independent Farane Cemetery, where Rabbi Guy Green of Beth Shalom Synagogue officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Benjamin "Ben" Lelchook was born March 18, 1913, in Klenkavich, Russia. He immigrated to the United States in 1920 and moved to Sioux City to join his father. He attended Central High School. He opened his first grocery store at the age of 16.

He married Frances Raskin 70 years ago on June 22, 1937, in Sioux City at Shaare Zion Synagogue. He entered the military on Nov. 29, 1943. He served with a tank crew in northern France, the Ardennes, Rhineland and central Europe. He was discharged on Dec. 20, 1945. He opened his permanent grocery store (Thrifty Market), which he ran for 50 years.

He was a member and past president of the Big 10 Grocer's Association and belonged to the IGA. He was an active member of Beth Shalom Synagogue. He was a past president of the Independent Farane. He also was a member of the Jewish War Veterans and the American Legion Monahan Post 64.

Survivors include his wife, Frances Lelchook; daughters, Tzipora and Mendel Weinman of Las Vegas, Nev., and Dori and Greg Quinn of Overland Park, Kan.; eight grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren.

He preceded in death by his parents, Tzipora and Yisrael; brothers, Paul, Louis, George and Herman Lelchook; and a sister, Esther Dominitch.

Memorials may be directed to Beth Shalom or the charity of the donor's choice.