Robert George Benzschawel, Sr. age 85, of Hilbert was reunited with the love of his life when the Lord called him home on Sunday March 20, 2011. He was born to Peter and Dorothy (Kloeppel) Benzschawel on July 16, 1925 in St. John. He married Florence Lukaszewski on June 15, 1948 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greenleaf. He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert and church was an important part of his life. Robert worked in a cheese factory for 10 years. He also worked at the Brillion Iron Works for 35 years and farmed for most of his life. Dad enjoyed farm work long after his retirement. He worked as a home volunteer for the Salvatorian Center. He had a contagious smile and loved to laugh. Most of all he loved his wife of 61 years, Florence, and he loved & enjoyed his family-from his kids to his great grandchildren. Survivors include his children; Kathie (Nick) Kesler of Hilbert, Carol (Jerome) Popp of Brillion, Bob (Penny) Benzschawel of Chilton, Pat (Kerry) Kuehl of Brillion, Jean (Tom) Roehrig of Hilbert and Joan (Steve) Texmunt of Potter, 14 grandchildren; Laura (Keith) Riemer, Craig (Darcie) Kesler, Terry Kesler, Jenny (Chad) Eichmeier, Lacie (John) Schuh, Jonah (Jessi) Popp, Hayley Popp (special friend Ryan), Eric (Sara) Benzschawel, Kate Benzschawel, Tara (Sal) Longo, Sam Kuehl (special friend Amber), Kelly (Justin) Anthony, Sara (Jeff) Matzdorf and Chris (John) Zamber, 16 great grandchildren, two sisters; Ruth Kabat of DePere and Bernice (Jim) Boylan of Greenleaf. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Florence on March 28, 2009, a granddaughter Emileen Popp, a brother Dick Benzschawel and a sister Marge Huss. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert. The Rev. Phillip Dinh Van Thiep and Deacon Steve Vande Hey will officiate. Friends may call at the Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion on Tuesday, March 22 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will be no visitation on Wednesday morning at the church. The family would like to thank Brillion West Haven, Theda Care Hospice and all the friends that took time to visit our dad.
