Benceslado Lopez Jr.
August 8, 1947 - December 9, 2025
Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa (Papa) and friend Benceslado Lopez, 78, passed away peacefully in the company of family on December 9th, 2025.
He was born August 8th, 1947 in Salt Lake City, UT to Benceslado and Elizaida Cruz Lopez. He grew up in Lark, UT, attending Bingham High School and the University of Utah. Benceslado worked 46 years at the United States Postal Service in a variety of roles over the years.
Benceslado met his sweetheart, Charlene (Lujan) in Lark, UT, and they married on April 15th, 1971. Over the 54 years, they built a family and life in the Salt Lake Valley, building the house of their dreams with enough flowers to fill a nursery in South Jordan, UT. Ben had many hobbies that he filled his free time with, but his love of his family drove his passion for genealogy. He was an accomplished and published genealogist, mapping our family history and helped many in the genealogical community. He was an avid gardener, providing advice on what to plant to anyone who asked. He loved art, whether painting or collecting. And Ben also placed a strong emphasis on education with all of his children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Benceslado is survived by his daughter Raquel (Joseph) Zaelit and Marcus (Aura) Lopez; grandchildren Marlee, Cullen, Maximus, Jonathan and Liliana; his siblings Edward (Theresa), Bernice Martinez and Edna (Steve) Downing; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents Benceslado and Elizaida; brothers Joe, Adelaido, Manuel (Laura), Robert, Michael; and sisters Genevieve (Bart), Edelia (Rudy) Romero and Lucy Wright. Benceslado, also leaves behind his daughters from his first marriage, Heidi Patterson and Michelle Jacobson and his grandson Matthew.
Friends and family are welcome to gather on Tuesday, December 16th at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Millcreek, from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM where Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, December 17th at 11AM at Saint Joseph the Worker, 7405 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan. Committal Rite will follow at West Jordan City Cemetery, 7925 S 1300 W, West Jordan.
In Loving Memory
Aunt Charlene, Rocky and Marcus, with all of the Lopez and Zaelit Family. Our sincere condolences for this loss. I will always hold many great memories from Uncle Benny and the family. He will be missed! I pray the Holy Spirit watches over all of you, as you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. I've added a picture of some of the Lopez brothers and this is one of my all time favorites (boy I have good looking Uncles) All our love, Valerie & Mark
I was deeply saddened to hear about Benceslado’s passing. Although I couldn’t be there in person, I wanted to share my heartfelt condolences. I’ll always remember the kindness and warmth he brought to every interaction, and the good memories I have of him will stay with me. He truly made a positive impact on those around him. Sending all my sympathy and keeping your family in my thoughts during this difficult time.
In Loving Memory
