Ethel M. (Abel) Benike

Ethel M. Benike (nee Abel), 86, of West Bend, entered eternal life on Sunday, May 1, 2016, surrounded by her loving family after a short and unexpected illness.

She was born on November 20, 1929 in West Bend, the daughter of the late Elmer and Elvira (nee Schaefer) Abel and on September 2, 1950, she was united in marriage to Arthur Benike at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend.

Ethel will fondly be remembered for her love of sewing, watching Brewers Baseball and in recent years NASCAR Xfinity Series races due to her grandson Craig’s involvement.  She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends around the country and most importantly spending time with her family.

Ethel was a life time member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend, a member of the Red Hat Society and the Washington County Senior Center.

Those Ethel leaves behind to cherish her memory include two sons, Thomas (Debbie) Benike and James (Judy) Benike both of West Bend; six grandchildren, Brenda (Gene) Kreis of West Bend, Angela Benike of West Bend, Craig Benike of Mooresville, NC, Ashley (Tim) Jacobson of Kewaskum, Brad Benike and Jordan Benike both of West Bend; three great-grandchildren, Kelton and Aidan Kreis and Carter Jacobson; a sister-in-law, June Weiss of West Bend; a brother-in-law, Earl Schaefer of Casper, WY, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband of 48 years, Arthur, she was preceded in death by twin sisters, Myra (Francis) Nennig and Myrtle (Lloyd) Liepert.

A Funeral Service for Ethel will be held at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 809 S. 6th Ave., in West Bend with Rev. David Kellerman officiating.  Burial will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. at Washington County Memorial Park in West Bend.

The Benike family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church are appreciated.

The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Ethel’s arrangements.  Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

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