Mildred Benischek

Mildred Loesch Benischek, age 89, of Spillville, formerly of Oxford Junction, IA, died on Monday, October 10, 2011, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, IA. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 13, 2011, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, IA, with Rev. Donald Hawes presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call after 10:00 a.m., at the church on Thursday morning. The Balik Funeral Home in Spillville is in charge of arrangements. Mildred Mary (Puffer) Loesch Benischek was born on March 11, 1922, the daughter of Michael H. and Rose (Klima) Puffer near Fort Atkinson, IA. Mildred grew up near Fort Atkinson area and moved to the Loesch family farm southwest of Spillville, the third generation to live and to farm. They were the parents of three daughters: Mary Jane, Theresa and Denise. After farming the family farm for thirty-eight years, Clarence became ill and died on May 11, 1981. In the spring of 1982, Mildred moved to Spillville. On November 13, 1987, she married Herman Benischek. Upon that union, she moved to Oxford Junction, IA, and remained there until Herman’s death on July 20, 2001. In 2002, she returned to Spillville. Mildred enjoyed playing cards, shopping and going out with her friends, Lucille. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, FCSLA, and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Mildred is survived by her three daughters: Mary Jane (Charles) Martinek, Bay City, WI; Theresa (Peter) Klimesh, Spillville, IA; and Denise Gilmore, Phoenix, AZ. Seven grandchildren: Aimee, Renae, Michelle, Michael T., Jamie & Jesse & Jed. Six great grandchildren. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents: Michael H. and Rose (Klima) Puffer. Two husbands: Clarence Loesch on May 11, 1981 and Herman Benischek on July 20, 2001. One granddaughter: Christie Klimesh on Oct. 26, 2001. One brother: James (Eileen) Puffer on Nov. 8, 1988. Two sisters: Florence (Edward) Pecinovsky on April 24, 1995 and Viola (Edward) Svestka on April 25, 1984.