Andrew Benecke, a third-year economics and systems engineering major, died Monday, Sep. 29, after a six-year battle with osteosarcoma. He was 21.

Benecke was a highly accomplished student—he earned a perfect ACT score, was co-valedictorian of the Mary Institute & St. Louis Country Day School Class of 2006, and was honored in 2006 as a Presidential Scholar. He transferred to Washington University after briefly attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Katy Southworth, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences, attended high school with Andrew and recalled his excellence in academics.

“We had AP Chemistry together and he pretty much taught the class,” Southworth remembered. “He was really quick-witted and really smart.”

In addition to his academic achievements, Andrew is remembered for his warm personality and strong faith in Jesus.

He is survived by his father, Dr. James Benecke, Jr., and mother, Barbara Benecke.

A memorial service will be held for Andrew at Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church, 1230 Big Bend Blvd. in Ballwin, Mo. on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 1:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at Forever Bellerive in Creve Coeur.