Franz M. Benteler
Of Arlington Heights

Franz Benteler was born June 1, 1925 in Hamburg, Germany to Franz and Maria (nee Keimeyer) Benteler. He died Friday, March 12, 2010 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.

A lifelong violinist and entertainer, Franz formed the Royal Strings Orchestra early in life and played with them until he formally retired in 2007. The Royal Strings Orchestra performed internationally and for over 20 years at the Consort Room at the Continental Plaza in Chicago. Franz was honored to receive Chicago’s Official Ambassador of Music by former Richard Daley in the 1990’s and entertained five US Presidents and numerous international dignitaries during his career. While Franz was fortunate to enjoy a very successful career in that which he loved so dearly, music, he also always found time for his family, which he held even closer to his heart

He is survived by his wife Maria S. nee Arreola Benteler whom he married August 10, 1984; children Franz Brett Benteler of Chicago, Adele Maria Benteler of Arlington Heights, Stefan Joseph Benteler of Chicago, Christopher Franz Benteler of Arlington Heights and Kristine Diane Benteler of Qatar; his several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews; and his two loving pets Goldberg and Sonny.

Franz was preceded in death by Eric M. Benteler, his parents his two brothers and two nieces.

Visitation from3:00 until 9:00 PM, Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., (4 blocks south of Palatine Rd.) Arlington Heights. Prayers 9:15 AM, Thursday, March 18, 2010 from Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd, to St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights for Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to American Parkinson Disease Assoc. Glenbrook Medical Office Bldg. South, 2050 Pfingsten Rd. Suite 127, Glenview, IL 60025.