Full Obituary

ALVIN J. BENZSCHAWEL, age 86, of Stanley, formerly of Thorp, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2017 at The Home Place, in Stanley. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, May 26, 2017 at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Thorp. Rev. Janusz Kowalski will officiate and burial will follow in St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Chasity Starck, Carrie Derks, Crystal Maier, Craig Benzschawel, Ryan Benzschawel and Jason Benzschawel. Honorary pallbearers will be: Chad Starck, Matthew Bland and Nicole Bland. Visitation will be held at the church, on Friday, from 9am until time of service.
Alvin Jerome Benzschawel was born on August 9, 1930 on the family farm in the Town of Worden, rural Thorp, WI. He was raised on the farm and received his education at area schools. After completing his education, Alvin was united in marriage to Helen Truse and they purchased his parent's farm. Alvin and Helen were later divorced. He was united in marriage to Betty M. Abramczak on December 30, 1989 at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Thorp. Alvin farmed his entire life until his retirement.
He had many interests, but especially loved working on his farm, fishing in Canada and Wisconsin, hunting, playing cards, traveling, putting puzzles together, and "shooting the bull" at the Silver Dollar!!
Alvin was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church and the Rock Dam Rod & Gun Club.
He is survived by his 5 children: Dale (Kathy) Benzschawel of Thorp, Duane Benzschawel of Thorp, Elaine (Larry) Starck of Stanley, Linda (Hank) Bland of Fort Barnwell, NC, Philip Benzschawel (Julie Saumier) of Thorp; 15 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; 6 sisters: Maryann Spaeth of Boyd, WI, Doris (Larry) Bradley of Jim Falls, WI, Jane Fischer of Wausau, WI, Barbara Bryant of Greenwood, IL, Lucille Sawczuk of Maplewood, MN, Ruth (Bob) Luken of Roseville, MN, one brother: Wilbur Benzschawel of Alamo, TX; one sister-in-law: Marion Benzschawel of Stanley; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Geraldine Benzschawel, in infancy; one grandson, Christopher Starck; his wife, Betty, on September 5, 2013; and two brothers: Bernard and Ervin Benzschawel.