Paul Bernell Benischek

Paul Bernell Benischek

Anamosa

Paul Bernell Benischek of Anamosa, Iowa, died Dec. 20, 2023, with his wife of 72 years by his side. Paul was born March 29, 1928 to Albert Benischek and Tillie (Tatak) Benischek, in rural Clinton County. His birth was a surprise, following the birth of his twin sister, Pauline, who predeceased him.

Paul served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific, a veteran of World War II. He married June L. Ruchotzke on Feb. 4, 1951, in Clinton, Iowa. They farmed near Oxford Junction, Iowa, until their retirement in 1983, when they moved to rural Anamosa.

He enjoyed the outdoors, playing cards with two card clubs and was the local “mole man” who trapped varmints.

Paul is survived by his wife, June L. Benischek, two daughters LeeAnn Benischek (Steve Groner) of Daytona Beach Shores, Fla., and Barbara Benischek Souza (Charlie) of St. Petersburg, Fla., two grandchildren, Melissa Crabb of Hanover, Md., and Sebastian (Ian) Stephenson, of Norfolk, Va., and sister Marlene Werden of Winona, Minn.

A special thanks to neighbors Barb and Denis Paulsen for their years of devotion to Paul and June. Memorials may be made to Camp Courageous, Monticello, Iowa, or to The Disabled American Veterans at DAV.org.