Otto Benischek

OTTO BENISCHEK

Oxford Junction

Otto J. Benischek, 96, of Oxford Junction, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, June 28, 2014, at the Clarence Senior Care Center. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oxford Junction, with the Rev. Kneemiller officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 30, at Lahey Funeral Home in Oxford Junction. Burial will be in May-flower Cemetery, Oxford Junction.

Otto was born to Albert and Tillie (Tatak) Benischek in rural Oxford Junction on March 22, 1918. He attended Burr Oak School in rural Clinton County. He married Esther A. Ruchotzke in 1940. She preceded him in death on Jan. 27, 2007.

Otto was preceded in death by an infant son, Gerald; his parents; two brothers, George and Raymond; a sister, Elsie; and grandson, Scott Benischek.

Those left to honor his memory include five children, Otto C. Benischek (Debra Young), Hanceville, Ala., Carolyn Zaruba, Clarence, Steven (Barb) Benischek, Lost Nation, Mary Jo Smiley, Anamosa, and Beverly (Mark) Valerlus, Davenport. Otto is survived by 19 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. Also, two brothers, Stanley (Jan) Benischek, Davenport, and Paul (June) Benischek, Anamosa; and three sisters, Rita Chapel, Boulder, Colo., Pauline (Gayle) Ahrendsen, Monticello, and Marlene Werden, Winona, Minn.

Otto was a lifetime farmer and a dealer for Cornelius Seed Corn for many years. He enjoyed playing cards, dancing and got great enjoyment from playing his harmonica.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lahey.com.