Frances Johanna Benes, age 97, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024 at Homme Home in Wittenberg, under the care of Compassus Hospice and surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 13, 1926 in Shawano County, a daughter of the late George and Mary (Muhs) Tautges. She married Frank Benes on February 6, 1946. He preceded her in death on November 4, 2005.
After graduating from Antigo High School in 1945, Frances went to work as a CNA at Langlade Memorial Hospital in Antigo. It was there that she met her husband with whom she would spend the rest of her life and raised her loving family.
Frances farmed in the town of Neva with her husband for 45 years, doing all the accounting for their business. She loved living on the farm but also worked outside the home in other jobs. She had part-time jobs which included working in potatoes, waitressing and kitchen work at Quinn's in Neva, and at the Wagon Wheel in Kempster. She was also employed at Merit Gear and Kmart in Antigo. She then went to work at her favorite job of all, the Unified School District of Antigo Foster Grandparent Program at Spring Valley Elementary School for 25 years. Frances helped many wonderful young children with their reading and math skills. She cherished her time there and thought very highly of the staff, many who had become special friends. She would always say, "Nothing like a country school."
Frances was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, and its Rosary Society, having volunteered for many funeral dinners and Church Fall Festivals. She was a prayer warrior, her rosary being a constant companion and refuge. Frances had a very strong faith which she passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Frances enjoyed spending time with her immediate and extended family, traveling with her siblings around the U.S. and visiting many places of interest and beauty. She also loved playing cards with her siblings and their spouses, often sharing memories of the old days. She also loved doing puzzles, reading, knitting, needlework, and sewing. Frances had a huge heart and invited her nieces and nephews to come and spend time at the farm in the summers, riding horses, playing in the haymow and swimming. What she loved most was spending time with her children and grandchildren, each holding a special place in her heart.
Survivors include three sons, Allen (Marie) Benes of Antigo, Leland (Vicki) Benes of Cookeville, TN, and Michael (Kim) Benes of Antigo; five daughters, Kathy Stickney of Antigo, Susan (DeWayne) Darr of Deerbrook, Vicki (Jon) Zalesak of Clarissa, MN, Lori (Jeffrey) Weiss of Harmony, MN, and Amy (James) Keeker of Kansasville; 37 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Ann (Raymond) Bonk of New Berlin; a brother, David Tautges of Seal Beach, CA; a sister-in-law, Marcella Tautges of Appleton; and many nieces and nephews she loved as her own.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary; a son-in-law, Marlin Stickney; a granddaughter, Mary Darr; a great-grandson, Alex Reeder a great-granddaughter, Keenan Darr; three sisters, Genevieve Fischer, Agnes Tautges, and Barbara Kerchoff; two brothers, August and Paul Tautges; two brothers in infancy, Robert and Edward;; sisters-in-law, Catherine and Joannie Tautges; brothers-in-law, Robert Kerchoff and Ron Nissen; and her husbands' five brothers and five sisters.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Homme Home, Compassus Hospice, and to Dr. McKenna for their compassionate care in treating her with so much kindness. In addition we would like to extend a thank you to Father Matt Settle and Deacon Andy Bures.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Reverend Matt Settle and Deacon Andy Bures concelebrating.
Burial will take place in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 23 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held Friday at 6 p.m.
"We will laugh again Mom, just like we always did"
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Frances worked with me several years at Spring Valley Elementary, helping our kindergartners practice reading and math skills, as well as teaching many little ones how to tie their shoes. She was always so kind, patient, and soft-spoken with them. My students and I always enjoyed our time with Grandma Benes! I will remember Frances’s kind & gentle soul, her beautiful smile, and all the laughs that we shared over the years. I send my sincere sympathies and prayers to her family.
Lisa Peaslee
Deepest sympathy to her family. She was a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of knowing her as we worked together at Kmart. Her smile would turn any day into a good day no matter what. She will be missed by all who's lives she touched.
I loved spending time with Frances at Homme and considered her my adopted Grandmother. I will miss her dearly.
We fondly remember Grandma Benes as a wonderful grandma at Spring Valley. She touched many hearts. We also worked with her on tasks at St Wencel's. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. God's blessings Jeanne and Jim Peters, former Deerbrook residents.
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