George Benish
George married Carol Mita, it ended in divorce. George’s career took him to Oxford, WI where he managed the local Thermogas plant and his love of water and swimming brought him to live on Deep Lake. George met his wife Delores, whom he married 9 years later on January 9, 1998. George made a career of real estate for many years even into his retirement. He is a member of the Leaky Boot Club.
George and Delores owned and operated Coon’s Deep Lake Campground & Mobile Home Park until December 2016, when they sold the business to “retire”. George enjoyed serving on the Oxford Fire District Board, Jackson Town Board as a Supervisor and later Chairman until July 2018, when he became ill with Legionaire’s disease and his health made his decision to resign.
In his youth George’s free time was often spent playing horseshoes and bowling in leagues at his favorite local watering holes. Peace and tranquility most often came from spending time in the great outdoors in nature. His biggest adventure was riding the freight trains through the West and stopping off at Real Hobo Camps where he learned so many of life’s important lessons. Grouse hunting with brother David & friends every fall around the Park Falls area was a favorite tradition. His favorite escape was always found ‘Up North’ and in 1999, purchased the Cabin with family. Over the years he enjoyed hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, four-wheeling and UTVing. In his later years, his solace was found listening to the gentle waves of the ocean crash the shore on vacations with Delores. George loved to read and was most often found with a book in his hands, reclining, reading his favorite science fiction fantasy.
After moving from the campground George found great joy in gardening and harvesting his crop throughout the summer, picking berries with Grandkids and then making jelly and muffins. While George didn’t have any children of his own, his stepchildren and grandchildren were a highlighted love of his life. It made his heart smile when they asked for a tractor ride, until they got too big to sit on his lap and then he taught them each to drive the tractor and ATV. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren learn a work ethic at the campground, from mowing to using a trimmer, and then teaching them to split wood with a maul. He found great pleasure in beginning to teach Nathan how to repair lawnmowers and ATVs. He enjoyed hearing the grandkid’s stories and jokes, helping to celebrate their life’s special moments. A favorite life lesson came from his oldest grandson Jacob when George was told, “… but you gotta try Grandpa”. That lesson helped him overcome many challenges in his last years.
He is survived by the love of his life, and soul mate of 21 years Delores Rockwell Benish.
Step Children: Scott & Emilie Rockwell, ElizaBeth Hendricksen, and Jeremy Hendricksen. He is further survived by 6 grandchildren: Jacob, Ryan, Nathan & Lauren Rockwell, and Cody & Brayden Hendricksen. Aunt Jean & Uncle Ted Hasbrook. Siblings: Bob (Carol) Benish, David (Judy) Benish, Tom (Lisa) Benish, Susan (Bill) Santner II. Favorite Nephew: Pat (Natalie) Benish. Nephews and niece: Bill (Stacy) Santner III, Albert Benish, Chad (Wendy) Gasca, Ryan Gasca, Samara (Stefan) Calderon, and Barth (Julia) Zarrilli. Great niece/nephews: Elizabeth Gasca, Andrew (Taylor) Gasca, Eric, Carter, Tyler, Caiden & Trent Zarrilli and Rocky & Brock Benish. Sister and Brothers-in-law: Diane Elderkin, Donna (Ned) Wood, Dennis (Marion) Coon, and Duane (Holly) Coon. He is survived by best friends Eric Nordbeck and LeRoy Schultz, and longtime friends Dan, Buck, Jim and a host of others too many to mention. George was preceded in death by his parents George Albert & Caryl Benish, his grandparents, special cousin Aunt Bea Tormey, his brother in law Ed Elderkin, and his favorite labradors companions Cal and Sam.
The family would like to thank Dr. Martinek & staff of Marshfield Medical Center Surgical ICU Dept. for the outstanding care you gave George.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 2 to 4 p.m. a service to follow, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, WI. Roseberry’s are assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences. Interment will follow at a later date at Davis Corners Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the ALS Association.
George will be missed. George was a great husband and grandfather. I always got a kick seeing him take the kids to another job at the campground. If we campers had a problem he was right there to help us. He always had the time to stop on the road and talk to me for a few minutes. Chris and I have always felt like we were family. God bless Bob and Chris
Our hearts are heavy for your loss. Hold George in your hearts and may you find comfort in the Lord.
Delores: So very sorry for your loss. Working with George, in his efforts as Town Chair revealed how dedicated & skilled he was. I am deeply saddened by his unanticipated passing and your loss
Delores….sending our heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and your family. We so enjoyed all the years of visiting with George at camp and will forever remember all the special things George did for us to help make our summers some of our best memories. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. ♥️
Delores & Family, Mitch and I were so very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family have our deepest sympathy, and we will keep you all in our prayers. Mitch and Thelma Craig
Delores and Family, very sorry for your loss, sending thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort with your memories.
We were saddened by the news of George’s passing. Delores, we are thinking of you and your family at this most difficult time. Many years of camping at Deep Lake.
Don and June Carlson
Denise, Jill, and Deb
So very sad to hear of George’s death. We loved that dear man and enjoyed him as our host at Deep Lake campground for 13 years. Our hearts go out to Delores and the whole family
Delores and family…. so very saddened by your loss. George was such a gentle soul. Hugs and prayers for you all.
Delores & Family,
Deepest condolences for your loss,your in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy & Zachary Heyer
Delores, Scott, Liz and Family, you have my deepest sympathy. George will be missed by many! George I will see you on the other side, save me a bar stool.
Delores and Family,
George was so awesome and incredibly helpful my first couple years at Deep Lake. One of the best guys I have met. Blessings❤️💔❤️
Delores and family, our hearts break for you but take comfort in knowing George now knows no pain and is in his forever home with our Lord, until you are together again take comfort in knowing George was a good man who Took good care of us at camp. You both provided us such a wonderful place to relax and get away from our cares and worries. Thank you for that.
Delores and family, We are sorry for your loss. We will hold you in are prayers. Remember the good times and know you will see him again some day.
This loss of George Benish is a terrible loss to Delores and the rest of his family. But there are a lot of us out here who remember all the special kindnesses and help he did for us. He was a good man.
From the Arentz Family on Deep Lake, our heartfelt prayers and condolences to you Delores, the kids, family, and extended relatives. May your mourning be short. Take solace in the belief that George is perfect in every way now. He knows no struggles. He will enjoy everlasting life with not only his Creator, but in all the hearts and souls of those that were blessed to have known him.
His big smile and gentle demeanor was infectious. Always willing to help his neighbor and fellow man, he was the epitome of selflessness. May Creator lay his compassionate hand down upon you all, in your time of grief and sorrow. Know that he looks down upon you with everlasting love. This too shall pass, but the memories of George William Benish never will. Journey well our friend. Creator, bless our mourners.
The Arentz Family
Deloris & family, You have lost a beautiful soul and my heart breaks for you. Remember this, Where a beautiful soul has traveled, beautiful memories remain. May those memories and your faith, love and support of family & friends guide you through your grief. Roxanne Buchanan
Delores, Scott & Liz and families,
We are so sorry for this unexpected loss. Remember the good times and don’t be afraid to lean on your friends & family for support at this difficult time.
Love, prayers & hugs,
Dawn & Rock Stone
Delores, Scott and Liz, So sorry for your loss. We are sending prayers for comfort. Jim and Carmen Pedersen
Delores & kids. So sorry for your loss. Fond memories of bleacher seats and cheering on the bb players. Take care.
Delores
We didn’t know George, but if you selected him as a husband he must have been very special. It is so hard to loose someone that you love. Our thoughts and continued prayers will be with you.
Delores, Scott, and Liz, I am sorry for your loss. George was a good man. Keep all of your memories close and remember all of the good times.
My deepest sympathy to his family and those he lent his father-like guidance to.
An outstanding life ended far too soon. George and I go back many years
and I’ll truly miss his intelligence and sense of humor. George my friend; RIP.
Delores and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy
My heart is breaking for you all. George was such a kind soul. Our prayers are with you all.
Delores, Scott and Liz, prayers and hugs to you all, may God be with you through this difficult time.
Delores, Scott and Liz,
I am so sorry to hear about George. He was a very nice man and was always so good with Cody and Brayden. I do believe everything happens for a reason. He will always be watching over you. God always has his reasons. If I can ever help in any way please feel free to let me know. Many hugs to you and everyone involved.
My heart is heavy with your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Delores and family our hearts go out to you all. We lived in your park for years and you both were the best landlords we ever had. We will always have you on our minds. Our Deepest Sympathy for you all.
Delores, George was a wonderful man. He always took care us campers. He will forever have a special place in my heart.
So very sorry for your family’s loss
Delores & Family, You have my heart felt sympathy, for your loss. Am sending prayers, hugs & love to all. I am sorry, but am unable to be with you on Sat.. Hold your memories close. In God’s Love Evie & Larry Johnston
(York)