Obit: Benzschawel, Alvin J.#2 (1930 – 2017)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Benzschawel, Kowalski, Maier, Starck, Bland, Truse, Spaeth, Bradley, Fischer, Bryant, Sawczuk, Luken, Derks, Abramczak, Saumier

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 31 May 2017

Benzschawel, Alvin J. (9 AUG 1930 – 22 MAY 2017)

Alvin J. Benzschawel, age 86, of Stanley, formerly of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.), passed away on Monday, May 22, 2017, at The Home Place in Stanley. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2017, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp. Rev. Janusz Kowalski officiated, and burial followed in St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Chastity Starck, Carrie Derks, Crystal Maier, Craig Benzschawel, Ryan Benzschawel and Jason Benzschawel. Honorary pallbearers were: Chad Starck, Matthew Bland and Nicole Bland. Visitation was held at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of service.

Alvin Jerome Benzschawel was born August 9, 1930, on the family farm in the town of Worden, rural Thorp (Clark Co.), Wisconsin. He was raised on the farm and received his education in area schools. After completing his education, Alvin was united in marriage to Helen Truse, and they purchased his parent's farm. Alvin and Helen later divorced. He was united to Betty M. Abramczak on December 30, 1989, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp. Alvin farmed his entire life until his retirement.

He had many interests, but especially loved working on his farm, fishing in Canada and Wisconsin, hunting, playing cards, putting puzzles together, and "shooting the bull" at the Silver Dollar!!

Alvin was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church and the Rock Dam Rod & Gun Club.

He is survived by his five children: Dale (Kathy) Benzschawel of Thorp, Duane Benzschawel of Thorp, Elaine (Larry) Starck of Stanley, Linda (Hank) Bland of Fort Barnwell, NC, Philip Benzschawel (Julie Saumier) of Thorp; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; six sisters, Maryann Spaeth of Boyd, WI, Doris (Larry) Bradley of Jim Falls, WI, Jane Fischer of Wausau, WI, Barbara Bryant of Greenwood, IL, Lucille Sawczuk of Maplewood, MN, Ruth (Bob) Luke of Roseville, MN.; one brother, Wilbur Benzschawel of Alamo, TX; one sister-in-law, Marion Benzschawel of Stanley; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Geraldine Benzschawel, in infancy; one grandson, Christopher Starck; his wife, Betty, on September 5, 2013; and two brothers, Bernard and Ervin Benzschawel.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Thorp Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.