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Marilyn Benishek
MARILYN MAE BENISHEK
Belle Plaine
Marilyn Mae Benishek (nee Schultz), 92, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, died peacefully on Dec. 22, 2016, of natural causes with her family by her side at the Mayflower Community in Grinnell.
Marilyn was home delivered on May 21, 1924, in Bryant, S.D. Her parents, William and Emma (nee Pauls), packed their life belongings along with their eight children and their dog, Shep, into a Model A Ford and drove to Van Horne to farm. They moved a total of 13 times until they settled on a farm near Dysart. A graduate of Belle Plaine High School in 1942, Marilyn worked as a clerk at Klink's Drug Store (and for two other proprietors), transitioning to Casey's General Store until she retired.
She is survived by her sisters, Ona (Lawrence) Danker and Shirley (Raymond) Larsen; children, Lowell D. Benishek (Julie Molitor) of Canon City, Colo., Lee A. Benishek (Pam Kriegel) of Brooklyn, Iowa, and Lois A. Benishek of Philadelphia, Pa.; four grandchildren, Shannon Wohl, Kristina (Mike Steward), Karla (Bryan Morrison) and Daniel Benishek; and five great-grandchildren.
Marilyn was pre-deceased by her husband, Claire A. Benishek (whom she later divorced); and siblings, William, Margaret "Pegge," John, Bette and Denton Schultz.
Marilyn was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and the Daughters of Rebekah. She will be remembered for her sarcastic wit, straightforward personality, solid work ethic and willingness to sacrifice herself for her family. Marilyn enjoyed playing cards, quilting, polka music and the sights, sounds and smell of farm life, as well as spending time with family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and will live in our hearts and memories forever.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Marilyn's memory with a donation to Belle Plaine Ambulance or Camp Courageous and showing a random act of kindness each week to a family member or a stranger.
Online condolences may be left at www.hrabakfuneralhome.com.
Interment at Oak Hill Cemetery will be private at the request of Marilyn and her family.
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