Robert B. "Benny" Fields, 76, of Breese, died Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at his home. He was born August 2, 1931 in Washington, Indiana, son of Francis "Bernie" and Mary "Olive" (Grider) Fields. He married Alice M. Kues on January 30, 1954 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese and she preceded him in death on September 3, 2005.

He is survived by his children, Monica Venhaus and husband Phil, Matthew Fields and wife Chris, all of Breese, Michael Fields and wife Marlene of Germantown, Luke Fields and wife Deb of Breese, and Pete Fields and wife Angie of Highland; daughter-in-law, Jan Hustedde and husband Tom of Breese; 18 grandchildren, Aaron (Keeli Zerrusen) Fields, Adam (Jamie Boeckmann) Fields, Alicia Hustedde, Andrew Hustedde, Andrea Hustedde, Addison Hustedde, Chad Venhaus, Ryan (Anna Beckmann) Venhaus, Allison Venhaus, Josh Fields and wife Larissa nee Peters Fields, Beth Fields, Katie Fields, Austin Fields, Maggie Fields, Myranda Fields, Caleb Fields, Carli Fields and Jordyn Fields; one brother, Jack Fields and wife Joan of Columbia; one sister, Mary Haar and husband Ted of Breese; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Marie Fields of Breese, Kathy Fields of Napa, CA, Bob Burhorn, Henrietta Isaak, Rose Isaak, Esther Kues, and Florence and John Duncan; he is also survived by cousins, including Ken and Marguerite Dauphin.

In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death one son, Mark Fields; one granddaughter Brooke Robert; two brothers, Thomas Fields and Jim Fields; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Al Isaak, Orville Kues, Clem Isaak, Ann Burhorn and Raymond and Mary Kues.

Mr. Fields was a heavy equipment operator and worked in construction before his retirement. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He was a member of St. Dominic Parish in Breese and Local 520 Operating Engineers in Swansea. Benny was very involved in all aspects of the City of Breese and St. Dominic sports, including baseball and basketball and was a former athletic director and coach. He was "grandpa" to many children.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2007 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Rev. Pat Peter officiating. Burial will follow at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery in Breese.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2007 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2007 at Hempen Funeral Home in Breese.

Memorials may be made to All Saints Academy, St. Dominic Parish or to Breese Little League and will be received at the funeral home.