Wolfgang Manfred Josef Kaak, age 78, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the SIH Herrin Hospital.
Joe was born on August 5, 1948, in Hamburg, Germany, the son of Egon and Elfriede (Fabel) Kaak. He married the former Marianne Kathleen (Katus) Brugger on November 9, 2002.
Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
He was a retired Federal Mine Inspector.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and the Benton Lions Club.
Joe enjoyed playing golf and tennis, reading, and watching sports. He loved listening to 60’s music, especially Jimmy Buffet, he enjoyed “Phantom of the Opera.”
Joe also enjoyed his time spent during coffee hour with his church friends on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at The Buzz. Then on Fridays he would spend time at coffee with his retired referees and officials at the Cozy Table.
Surviving is his loving wife Marianne Kaak of Benton, Illinois; a daughter Andrea McMahon and significant other Daniel Payne of Franklin, Tennessee, a son Geoffrey Kaak and wife Jamie of Christopher, Illinois; two step-children Greg Brugger and wife Angi of Benton, Illinois, Stephanie Brugger and partner Ryan Miller of Benton, Illinois; four grandchildren: Ian McMahon of Nashville, Tennessee, Brooklyn Wyant and husband Asher of Benton, Illinois, Cole Brugger and wife Brianna of the US Air Force, Calee Brugger of Benton, Illinois; his mother Elfriede Kaak of Peoria, Illinois; a brother Stephan Kaak and wife Debbie of Peoria, Illinois, and a nephew Scott Kaak and wife Tamera and son Meyer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his father and his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Joe’s wishes are to be cremated.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church of Benton, Illinois, with Rev. Jesse Hinds officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Benton.
Memorial Contributions, In Loving Memory of Joe, may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton.
To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Joe, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.