Arlington Heights member of Royal Strings Orchestra dies at 84

For 40 years, Franz Benteler and the Royal Strings Orchestra entertained Chicago fans, including a 20-year run as featured headliners of the Consort Room at the Continental Plaza in Chicago.

During their signature performances, they dressed in white tails and distinctive red sashes, before making a dramatic entrance into the room and weaving through audiences while strolling violins.

Benteler, of Arlington Heights, passed away on Friday at the age of 84.

He was a favorite of Mayor Richard J. Daley's, who named him Chicago's Official Ambassador of Music and had him play every time a U.S. president or major head of state visited the city.

"He loved all kinds of music and played everything by ear," said his wife, Maria. "But he never played a party without playing 'Edelweiss.' That was very special to him."

Over the course of his long career, Benteler played for five presidents and heads of state that included the King Gustaf of Sweden, Emperor Hirohito of Japan and the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg.

However, he was just as in tuned with guests at a banquet, as the dignitaries, says Jennifer Silk of Elgin, who played with the Royal Strings for the last 15 years.

"He had this wonderful knack of being able to read the room," Silk said. "He always knew what song to play next, what would get people up onto the dance floor, or what would make them swoon."

Their sets ran the gamut, from light classical numbers by Chopin, Bach and Brahms, to pop, show tunes and bluegrass.

Benteler was born in Hamburg, Germany, but came to this country at the age of 5. Neither of his parents played violin, but they started their son in lessons when a traveling music teacher going door-to-door suggested he might have talent. He began playing at 9 and it became his passion.

During the latter stages of his illness, many of his musicians played around his hospital bed. They also have planned a musical tribute in June at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights.

Besides his wife, Benteler is survived by his children Franz, Adele, Stefan, Chris, and Kristine. He was preceded in death by his son, Eric.

Visitation is set for 3-9 p.m. Wednesday at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights.