Doris Benesch

Doris Margaret Benesch, 94, of Marshall, died Saturday at Meriter Hospital in Madison, surrounded by her loving family.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Holy Family Parish/St. Mary of the Nativity with the Rev. Jorge Miramontes officiating and burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Marshall. St. Mary of the Nativity is located at 112 S. Beebe St., Marshall.
The daughter of Anna and Fred Schenk, Doris was born March 25, 1920, in Medina. The oldest of four girls, she grew up on a farm and was happiest when outside, a quality that never ceased with age. Doris had no interest in cleaning the house, as she was her Dad's "right hand man." She attended school in Marshall, graduating in 1938. She married Leo Benesch on June 27, 1939. They were married for 52 years until his death in April, 1991.
Throughout her life she called two places home, both in the Marshall area. She preferred to live in the country, as she did not want to see into the neighbors' houses. Doris lived in the farmhouse where she raised her four children for 74 years. During that time she worked at Van Holten's pickle factory for 37 years, retiring at the age of 79. She was also an avid bowler.
After retirement, she never stopped moving. Doris enjoyed gardening, especially potatoes, as she was a meat and potatoes kind of girl. She always had leftovers warming on the stove, either for herself or the farm cats. Doris mowed her lawn with her riding lawn mower frequently, and every family member prayed to see her as they drove by, just to get a glimpse of her smile. It is the kind of encounter that reminds one of life's simplicity.
Doris's wit was contagious, and when paired with a gin old fashioned sour, was unparalleled. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren were first introduced to her drink of choice at Christmas time while decorating her tree. There is not a place Doris would have rather been than with her family. Sitting at the center in her armchair, watching her family grow around her, it is hard to say if there was anyone who aged with as much grace, dignity and love as her.
Surviving are three daughters, Pam (Duane) Petzke, Pelican Lake, Mitzie (Bill) Dzienkowski, Stoughton, and Polly (John) Benesch Hammer, Marshall; one son, Lonnie (Susan), Marshall; four granddaughters, Kelley (Mark) Haefner, Appleton, Connie (Tim) Young, Henry, Ill., Melissa (Ryan) Chadwick, Marshall, and Heidi (Justin) Wells, McFarland; five grandsons, Dustin (Amber Beal), Marshall, Ben (Jaya Ginter)Davis, Minneapolis, Minn., Brett "Spud" Davis, Minneapolis, Minn., Quinn (Kristen Hughey) Newton, Wittlich, Germany, and Cullen (Heather) Newton, Deerfield; seven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; two sisters, Irene Herman and Joan (Jack) Mandt.

Doris is preceded in death by husband Leo Benesch; sister Sylvia and her husband, Clarence Vick; brother-in-laws Robert Herman and James Benesch and his wife, Ormae; sister-in-law Catherine Benesch; son-in-law Newton T. Newton and granddaughter Kyia Benesch.
Visitation will be at Holy Parish/St. Mary's Catholic Church from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday. The funeral will be at St. Mary's at 11:00AM on Thursday. A luncheon will follow.
Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Homes is serving the family. To place an online condolence, please visit www.pn-fh.com

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