Gerald Benishek

Son, Brother, Husband, Veteran, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Friend. Jerry was a proud Antigonian, born here on November 13, 1920, and resided in the area his entire life, except for his four years of military service. He passed away on Saturday, December 17. He served in Air Transport Command during World War II where he was a master sergeant in the Pacific Theater. He was recently privileged to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Prior to leaving for war, Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Joyce (Chum) Rammer. They were married for 62 years. She preceded him in death in 2009. When he returned from the war, he was a pharmacy clerk and later owner of Vosmek Drug store. He served 25 years on the Fairview, Crestwood, and later Unified School District school boards. He was an active bridge player and enjoyed golfing; he was the owner of several holes in one. Jerry was an avid sportsman so all the trout in heaven need to beware. He was an Antigo historian, and shared his knowledge with those interested in preserving the local history. At 96, he continued to be an enthusiastic sports fan of his Wisconsin teams. He will be greatly missed by his daughter, Toni (James) Thomas, Antigo; his son, John (Jennifer) Benishek, Deerbrook; his grandchildren Jeffrey (Angela) Thomas, Sun Prairie, Jaren (Jennifer) Thomas, Wausau, Seth (Katie) Thomas, Sturgeon Bay, Emily (fiancé Mat Owen) Benishek, McHenry, Illinois, Laura Benishek, Deerbrook; his great-grandchildren Xander, Aaron, Harper, Maggie, Marlowe, and Ryan; and members of the Benishek, Rammer, and Thomas families. Preceding him in death were his wife, Joyce; his parents, Benjamin and Jara (Vosmek) Benishek; and his infant sister, Antionette. Memorials will be directed to placement of a bench in memory of Jerry and Joyce in an Antigo Park. A memorial gathering with inurnment and military honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 3 in Antigo Cemetery on Aurora Street. Following the inurnment, the park bench will be dedicated in City Park East. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Randy Myers for his longtime care; the Schreoder family; and his bridge partners and coffee friends, Allie and Norrie.