Full Obituary

EUGENE A. BENZSCHAWEL, age 79, of Thorp passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at Oakbrook Health & Rehab in Thorp. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at the Lake Eau Claire County Park, E19230 County Road SD, Augusta, WI from 1-5pm.
Eugene Andrew Benzschawel was born on April 1, 1935 in rural Thorp, WI to Frank and Margaret (Gengler) Benzschawel. He was raised on the family farm and educated at area schools. After completing his education, Eugene worked for the Farmer's Co-op of Thorp for a short time. He was united in marriage to Beverly A. Mickett on May 24, 1955 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenwood. He then worked for Tri-State Breeders for 10 years and later at UniRoyal Tires in Eau Claire until the factory closed. During his semi-retirement, Eugene would buy, repair, and sell used farm machinery.
Eugene had many interests, but he especially loved camping, fishing, and deer hunting.
He is survived by his wife: Beverly Benzschawel of Thorp; 6 children: Gary (Lynette) Benzschawel of Bayfield, WI, Terry (Carole) Benzschawel of Mosinee, WI, Dean (Lois) Benzschawel of Thorp, WI, Dawn (Frank) Wadzinski of Poynette, WI, Kevin (Audrey) Benzschawel of Mosinee, WI, and Julie (Steve) Flikke of Hudson, WI; 20 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 4 brothers: Claude (Alice) Benzschawel of Thorp, WI, Bill (Delores) Benzschawel of Owen, WI, Allen (Sam) Benzschawel of Madison, WI, and Frank (Nel) Benzschawel of Olympia, WA; 1 sister: Joan (Thomas) Clark of Land O Lakes, FL; and 1 brother-in-law: Vernon York of Florida; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother: Dennis Benzschawel, and 1 sister: Diane York.
Gene's family would like to thank the staff at Oakbrook Health & Rehab for the wonderful care, love, and compassion shown towards him during his stay there.