Obit: Benzschawel, Robert Franklin (1936 - 2010)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Benzschawel, Micke, Shilts, Johnson, Platta, Hirsch, Gulcynski, Apfelbeck

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) December 22, 2010

Benzschawel, Robert Franklin (20 February 1936 - 17 December 2010) With flag

Robert F. Benzschawel, age 74, of Thorp passed away on Friday, December 17, 2010, at Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. 

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp with Rev. Keith Apfelbeck officiating.  Cremainal inurnment will take place at a later date in St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery, also in Thorp.  Visitation was held at Thorp Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 21, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a 5:00 p.m. rosary, and at church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Robert Franklin Benzschawel was born on February 20, 1936, in rural Thorp, WI, the son of Robert and Veronica (Micke) Benzschawel.  He was raised and received his education in the Thorp area and graduated from Thorp High School in 1955.  After graduation, he entered the U. S. Army and served his country from 1956 until his discharge in 1958.  He was united in marriage to Jeannette C. Shilts on May 29, 1959, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Chicago, IL.  He worked for National Foods before buying and operating grocery stores in Merrill and Stevens Point.  He later owned a restaurant before deciding to retire.  After moving back to Thorp in 1993, Bob found it hard to give up working, so he founded Thorp Home Improvement and operated it until his son, Neal, took over the business in 1996.

Bob had many interests.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with grandchildren.  He especially enjoyed his place, "Big Musky" in Hayward.  He was a lifetime member of the Izaak Walton Club and also was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church.

He is survived by his four children: Robert E. Benzschawel of Thorp, Dawn (Steven) Johnson of Prairie du Sac, Lynn (Chuck) Platta of Custer, Neal (Jill) Benzschawel of Thorp; seven grandchildren; Anna, Ryan, Matt, Brent, Stephanie, Sam, and Chloe; three brothers: Ronald (Peggy) Benzschawel of Illinois, Reinold (Mary) Benzschawel of Idaho, and Roger Benzschawel of Stanley; and one sister, Susie (Tom) Hirsch of Florida.  He is further survived by one brother-in-law, Robert Gulcynski of Thorp; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeannette, on April 12, 2005; one son, Richard, in infancy; and one sister, Arnoldine Gulcynski.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.cuddiefh.com. 

Thorp Funeral home assisted the family with arrangements

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Obit: Robert "Bob" Benzschawel (1905 - 1976)

Transcriber: Ellen

Surnames: Benzchawel, Brochman, Davis, Gulcynski, Heiman, Micke, Puerner

Funeral services for Robert Benzschawel age 71 of Thorp, Wis., were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 18, 1976 at St. Bernard’s Church, Thorp.

Mr. Benzschawel passed away May 6 in Thorp, Wis.

He was born March 27, 1905 in Thorp, Town of Worden, and was married to Veronica Metilda Micke at Thorp, Wis. He lived his entire life in that community.

Survivors include his wife, Veronica; four sons, Robert T. of Stevens Point, Wis., Roger of Madison, Wis., Ronald of Green Bay, Wis., and Reinold in the U.S. Navy, stationed at San Diego, California; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Anoldine) Gulcynski of Thorp and Mrs. Gary (Suzann) Davis of Clearwater, Florida; 22 grandchildren; four brothers, Joseph Benzschawel of Thorp, Anton of Stanley, Wis. Peter of Madison and Frank of Thorp; and three sisters, Mrs. Eda Heiman of Thorp, Mrs. Margaret Micke of Thorp and Mrs. Clara Schoenberger of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Her was preceded in death by one brother.

The Rev. John Puerner and Rev. Francis Brochman officiated at the services, and the following grandsons acted as pallbearers: Michael, Gulcynski, James, Bruce and Douglas Gulcynski, Robert Benzschawel III and Roger Benzschawel II. Daniel Gulcynski was cross bearer and carrying the offertory were grandchildren, Lana, Jean, Lisa, Lynn, Dawn, Kimmy, Krissy, nela, Tiffany, Nicholas Benzschawel, Kent and Trey Davis, and Mary and Kathy Gulcynski. Because of age, Steven Benzschawel and Tod Davis did not participate.

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Father: Nicolaus Benzschawel Sr., 1866–1949 & Barbara Keller, 1864–1937.

9 Children: Nicolas Benzschawel Jr, 1892–1958; Edith S Benzschawel, 1894–1985; Joseph Benzschawel, 1896–1985; Clara Benzschawel, 1897–1970; Anton Benzschawel, 1898–1977; Peter Paul Benzschawel, 1902–1984; Robert Benzschawel, 1905–1976; Margaret A. Benzschawel, 1906–2002 & Frank Benzschawel, 1910–1993.

1940 Federal Census, Thorp, Wisconsin

Robert Benzschawel 35, Tavern Attendant--Postcard showing a 2-headed calf displayed in Bob's Tavern.
Veronica Benzschawel 32
Arnoldine Benzschawel 5
Robert Benzschawel Jr 4
Rodger Benzschawel 2

Ethel Frinack 18, hired help

Neighbors & Friends and their place of birth