Bennie A. Antoniewicz, took his last train ride home in the caboose of humor on the tracks he built, Friday, March 25, 2011 at Langlade Hospital under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. He was surrounded by all of his family and friends who gave him a joyful send off with laughter and music. He was 84 years old.

Ben was born on March 6, 1927 in the Township of Ackley, a son of the late Leo and Helen (Noskowiak) Antoniewicz. He attended Clover Valley Grade School. He married his soul mate of 60 years Leatrice Hintz on June 28, 1947 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Polar. She preceded him in death on February 19, 2008.

As a young man with a big family he worked many jobs, hauling milk, logging, plowing gardens, plowing snow and carpenter work. He was truly a Jack of all trades and taught many people all about those trades. Ben worked for Chicago Northwestern in Antigo for 41 years. He was a foreman when he retired in 1983.

He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren teaching them the arts of hunting, fishing and gardening. Camping was one of his loves in life. He managed to take all of his children plus their friends along and always had a grand old time. After his children were grown, then the grandchildren enjoyed his company sitting around the campfire telling stories. Ben and Leat enjoyed good times with their many friends, polka dancing, played cards and frequenting the Hodag Music Festival. Everyone who knew him can tell you a funny story about him.

He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, being a part of the board of Education, Ushering Committee and Men's Club. He was also a member of the Railroad and Maintenance of Way Union #480 and the Railroad Retirees, who enjoyed going to breakfast once a month.

Survivors include three daughters, Janice (Doug) Cahak, Birnamwood, Jean (William) Mohr, Antigo and Joan (Dennis "Fuzz") Hose, Elton; five sons, Gary (Marge) Antoniewicz, Chaseburg, Keith (Jeanne) Antoniewicz, Hortonville, Leon (Kathy) Antoniewicz, Schofield, Dale (Darlene) Antoniewicz, Ringle and Dean (special friend Suzy Schmidt) Antoniewicz, Saxeville; eleven grandchildren, Jackie (Jerry) Stalsburg, Chaseburg, Mark (Tracy) Antoniewicz, Onalaska, Paula (Brent) Servin, Hortonville, Amy (Joe) Szarkowitz, Schofield, Ben and Luke Antoniewicz, Ringle, Miranda (Irene) Lezcano, Rothchild, Melissa (Adam) Dotter, Wausau, Jenna Wierschke, Maryland, Katie Wierschke, Antigo and Jennifer (Nathan) Mohr, Merrill; eight step grandchildren, Doug Cahak, Gina (Willie) Losser, Laura (Jason) Cahak, Brian (Tami) Cahak, Kevin (Tammi) Cahak, Jackie (Jason) Wagner, Stefanie (Joe) Tatro and Aaron (Brittney) Hose; eleven great-grandchildren; fifteen step great-grandchildren; five brothers, Walter (Dorothy) Antoniewicz, Milwaukee, Chester (special friend Evie) Antoniewicz, Milwaukee, Donald (Darlene) Antoniewicz, Milwaukee, Eugene (Karen) Antoniewicz, Waupaca and Robert (Leah) Antoniewicz, Summit Lake.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church with Rev. Scott Kruse officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3:30 - 8 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home and Thursday from 9:30 until the time of service at the church.

Services