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Benish, Wilma Lenora
Wilma Lenora Benish, 100, died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at Colonial Manor in Amana. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW, with burial to follow in Czech National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdayat Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.
Wilma was born Sept. 26, 1912, in rural Amana, the daughter of Charles and Agnes (Yearsa) Schlueter. After graduating from Coe College, she taught in country schools in the Amana area. She married Edwin Benish on Aug. 27, 1934 in Chicago. Edwin and Wilma farmed together for many years in rural Fairfax. She was a leader for Linn County 4-H earning many awards for her service. Wilma was a proud member of many organizations, including over 75 years with C.S.A., 50 plus years with WFLA Lodge #400, Linn County Farm Bureau and Fairfax Senior Citizens. Many hours were spent volunteering at Veterans Hospital in Iowa City, Colonial Manor in Amana, as well as crocheting baby hats for newborns at St. Luke's Hospital. In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting and she had made quilts for all her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed helping others, baking, making kolaches, playing pinochle and spending time with her family.
Wilma is survived by her three daughters, Donna Berger of rural Amana, Bonnie (Jerry) Becicka and Judith (Wayne) Slezak, all of rural Swisher; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-randchild; and one sister, Gladys Hrdlicka of Cedar Rapids.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of over 73 years, Edwin, who died March 22, 2008; her son, Donald Benish; a son-in-law, Dean Berger; her brothers, Frank and Walter Schlueter; and her sisters, Mamie Ashenbrener and Lillian Vorel.
Memorials may be directed to the Essence of Life Hospice or to donor's choice in Wilma's name.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Colonial Manor and Essence of Life Hospice for their loving care of Wilma.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at .
Published in The Gazette Oct. 2, 2012.
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