Robert (Bob) L. Benish

Robert L . Benish (Bob) age 93, passed away peacefully on October 23rd, 2025 at Benedictine Manor in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Bob was the 10th out of 11 children, born on May 12th, 1932 to Louis and Jessie (Wachuta) Benish where he was raised on the family farm in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

Bob graduated from Prairie du Chien High School in 1951 and went on to attend Madison Business College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War assigned to the Sixth Armored Division from 1953 to 1955 where he spent 18 months in Bremerhaven Germany as a personal driver to the Adjunct General.

Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Phyllis (Nugent) Benish and the two were united in marriage for 67 years. They lived and raised their 2 daughters, Ann and Amy, in La Crosse.

Bob was devoted to his family, religion and a man of high moral values. He was known for his strong work ethic and great sense of humor. He always said he never met a stranger. He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Bob retired in 1992 from the city of La Crosse Parks and Recreation Department. Following his retirement his greatest joy was spending time with his family and traveling extensively with Phyllis.

Bob is survived by his two daughters, Ann Rudel, La Crosse and Amy Thurow, Oshkosh. Three adored grandsons, Kyle (Caitlin) Thurow, Alex (Jackie) Rudel, and Kevin Thurow, and he was GG (Great Grandpa) to Tommy Rae Rudel. Brother-in-law Dean (Mary) Nugent, Sister-in-law Colleen Nugent, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, his parents, his parents-in-law, Clarence and Helen Nugent, his three brothers, seven sisters and their spouses, Lawrence (Doris) Benish, Laverne (Leone) Benish, and John Benish, Leona (Dan) Becwar, Bernice (Art) Wellendorf, Evelyn (Leo) Falb, Helen (Laverne) Noethe, Gloria (Ivan) Schmidt, Doris (William) Buening, Margie (George) Kalina, along with numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at St Joseph the Workman Cathedral from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 31st, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of life will follow. Interment with military rights will be at Catholic Cemetery on Losey Boulevard, La Crosse, WI.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and gratitude to the staff at Benedictine Villa and Manor for the care and friendships that Bob made while there.