Benny Ray Gdowski

Benny Ray Gdowski, 62, of York, died Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in York, surrounded by his family. 

He was born on July 22, 1962 to Benny J and Mary M (Knopik) Gdowski in Omaha. He graduated York High School in the class of 1980. During high school, he was a three sport athlete competing in football, wrestling, and baseball. 

Benny was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He was a seed technician at Bayer Crop Science for 2 1/2 years, then he worked at Kroy for 41 years. Benny got the opportunity to go on a work trip to Austria. He greatly enjoyed hunting; for 43 years Benny went on an annual hunting trip to Arnold. He loved to fish in South Dakota and Canada. When he returned from his fishing trips, he would host a neighborhood fish fry where friends and family would gather. Benny greatly enjoyed the company of his good friends. He was very passionate about Nebraska baseball, York Duke Football, and Wrestling. Benny would volunteer to help keep score at many York Wrestling Invites. Benny’s family would like to thank all of his friends that visited him and supported him throughout his illness. 

He is survived by his siblings, Ted (Deb) Gdowski of Columbus, Randy (Brandy) Gdowski of Omaha, Sharon (Scott) Baker of Littleton, Colo., and Vicki (Mark) Hansen of Lincoln; father, Benny J. Gdowski of York; nieces, Amber (James) Hernandez, Andrea (Daniel) Cunningham, and Baylee Gdowski; nephews, Brayden (Jasmine Owens) Hansen, and Dalton Hansen; great-nieces, Daizie Cunningham, Ariel Cunningham, Ava Hernandez, Brooklyn Barber and Blakely Hansen. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary M. Gdowski; brother, Johnny; and grandparents Matt (Anna) Gdowski and Frank (Caroline) Knopik.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in York. Following the Mass, Benny will be cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery, York. Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m. on Friday at the mortuary. A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. on Friday at Metz Mortuary, with family greeting friends one hour prior to the rosary service. Benny’s service will be livestreamed on Metz  Mortuary’s YouTube Channel. Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic School and York Wrestling Club. Condolences may be left for the family at metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary in York is handling arrangements.