Phyllis Rose Benike
Tuesday, June 5, 1928
Date of Death:
Monday, October 21, 2013
Age:
85 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday October 24, 2013
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Friday October 25, 2013
Time: 9:30 am
Funeral Mass
Date: Friday October 25, 2013
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Church of Saint Michael [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Pine Island Cemetery (Pine Island, MN) [ view map ]
Tuesday, June 5, 1928
Date of Death:
Monday, October 21, 2013
Age:
85 years old
Tuesday, June 5, 1928
Date of Death:
Monday, October 21, 2013
Age:
85 years old
Phyllis Rose Benike
Phyllis Rose Benike (Kunz), 85, of Pine Island passed away peacefully on October 21st, 2013 at Prairie Meadows Senior Care in Kasson surrounded by her family. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:30AM on Friday, October 25, 2013 at The Church of St. Michael in Pine Island with Father Randal Kasel officiating. Burial will be at the Pine Island Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the Mass.
Phyllis Rose Kunz was born on June 5, 1928 in Rochester to Wilbur “Bill” and Mary Josephine (Hillesheim) Kunz. Phyllis attended Pine Island Elementary School, and graduated from Lourdes High School in Rochester in 1946. She then attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing from 1946 to 1949, graduating with an R.N. degree. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital on the Obstetrics Ward, loving every minute of it. She recalled fondly her love for the babies that she cared for, and all babies, for the remainder of her life. On September 16, 1952, she married Arlie Arthur Benike (from the Potsdam area) at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester. They lived on a dairy, and later converted to a beef and crop operation near Oronoco, MN for 56 years.
Phyllis was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and Saint Isabella’s Circle in Pine Island. She was also the librarian at the Rochester Senior Center for 20 years. She had a special gift with babies, the elderly, and the infirm. She especially enjoyed flower-gardening, reading, knitting/crochet, playing cards with her neighbors, kittens, classic movies, cooking, and planning birthday and holiday festivities. She was famous among her family and friends for her home cooked meals, especially her potato salad. But above all, she loved her family and friends. Her grandchildren brought another layer of special joy to her life. We will miss her asking for yet another copy of a photo, or a hug before we left.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of 61 years Arlie, her children David Benike of Rochester, Daniel (Kim) Benike of Rockford, MN, Mary Gauthier of Pine Island, Chris (Sandee) Benike of Pine Island, Kathy (Deick) Bridley of Lake City, MN, five grandchildren Jennifer, Ryan, Danielle, Michael, Jeffrey, one great-grandchild Kasey, a sister Arlene Juberian of Rochester and a brother Gerald Kunz of Hot Springs, AR.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Wilbur and Mary, two sisters Maxine Liudahl and Francis Bratrud, and a brother Ralph Kunz.
Condolences
The family of Phyllis Rose Benike has received the following condolences.
Our two families will always be very close, and the tight bond that we share will last forever. As kids growing up in a very rural setting we did some pretty silly, dangerous and (stupid) stunts. When thing went south our mothers picked up
the pieces and provided us with the maternal and nurturing support that we needed. Phyllis always provided that support with warmth and care. She will be missed. Please accept my sincerest condolences and prayers.
Though her smile is gone forever
Her hand I cannot touch
I still have so many memories of the one I love so much
Her memory is now my keepsake
Which with I'll never part
God has her in his keeping
I have her in my heart.
Sadly missed but never forgotten.
- Her loving grandchildren
Kathy & Deick:
Thinking and praying for you and your family. Our deepest sympathy.
Derrick, Angie & Rose Bridley
My condolences to the Benike Clan. Phyllis (Mrs. Benike) placed wonderful memories in my heart of which I am truly grateful. Some are silly like watching the Planet of the Apes together in the living room while others are loving such as the generous hugs and treats provided. I especially was touched by our time talking, laughing, and sharing while peeling apples, going for walks, feeding the kittens, and watching the sky on the front porch. At this moment, I have realized that she and I had several alone moments amid two busy families and she made me feel like one of her own ( including that look). Phyllis possessed many fruits of the spirit and I am sure God is pleased to have her home. I pray she is having a wonderful heavenly experience!
Love to all of you, Tami
I will always remeber the kindness of Phyllis (Mrs. Benike) as we fondly called her. "Oh Boy" rings to mind as a common expression when there was something stirring up, which was most days. A fabulous cook and a large warm heart. A mother that could create anything on the fly and was consistently on the move. Now you boys behave!!!! Of course we always did......
A fan of Land of Giants and I am sure secretly read and stowed away comic books and cherished a free moment with a book.
The heavens truly received an angel of the world this week.
Warmest thoughts to Arlie, David, Dan, Mary Chris,Kathy and your families. The Russell family appreciates all the days Phyllis brought smiles and laughter to our lives..
God Bless.
With our deepest sympathy - Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a great smile Phyllis always greeted us with! She will be missed!
So sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts and prayers.