Dianne L. (Miller) Benishek

     Dianne L. Benishek (nee Miller) age 90 of Sturgeon Bay, died October 7, 2023. She was born on February 5, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Downer and Margaret (Loew) Miller.

     In 1954, she graduated from Carroll College and married fellow graduate Charles Benishek on August 21, 1954. He preceded her in death on August 16, 2012. For the majority of her career, she was a remedial reading teacher in the West Allis-West Milwaukee school district.

     A lifelong joy for Dianne was spending time at the cottage her parents built in Door County, Wisconsin. In their retirement she and Charles converted the cottage to their full-time home, and it became the central gathering place for her family.

     Dianne was also a devoted reader. She was always reading at least two books. One would be informational, usually involving history, and the other a novel. She loved discussing whatever book she was currently reading!

     Dianne was always volunteering at her church, first at Heritage Presbyterian in Muskego, Wisconsin and later at the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church. She has been an elder, involved in church circles, and volunteered at church dinners, bazaars, and many other church activities. Besides her church work, Dianne volunteered for the friends of the Sturgeon Bay library and the Sturgeon Bay historical society.

     She is survived by two daughters, one son and their spouses; Anne (Roger) Gentz, Mendon, Michigan, Beth (James) Eberle, Cincinnati, Ohio and Robert (Mary) Benishek, Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. Dianne is also survived by nine grandchildren; Amy (Chris) Danison, Luke (Hannah) Gentz, Paul (Emily) Gentz, Tim (Lindsey) Gentz, Jay (Alison) Eberle, Chris (Stephanie) Eberle, Mads Benishek (Slats Toole), Charlotte Benishek, and Alex Benishek (Sofia Carrillo).

     She is preceded in death by her husband Charles, and her parents.

     A memorial service will be held on November 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church with Rev. David Leistra officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service. Inurnment will be at Bayside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church, 836 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; or to The Salvation Army, 421 Nebraska St., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. 

     The family of Dianne would like to express their appreciation to the staff and volunteers of Cardinal Ridge and Unity Hospice for their care and support during Dianne’s last months.

     Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Benishek family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Dianne may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com. 

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