Lewie R. Benitz August 23, 1942 - November 21, 2023

Started by TomM, January 03, 2025, 09:37:25 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

TomM

Lewie R. Benitz
August 23, 1942  -  November 21, 2023

Lewie R. Benitz, age 81, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Public visitation will be held from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Ritchay Funeral Home on Monday, November 27, 2023. Private family services, inurnment, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Lewie was born on August 23, 1942 to Max and Ethel (Lake) Benitz in Wheeler, WI and graduated from Boyceville High School in 1959. He then attended UW-Stout where he competed on the Blue Devil wrestling squad, was a 4 year letter winner, and captain his senior year. He married Joyce Marlett on January 4, 1964 in Boyceville, WI. Lewie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education in 1965, and received a Masters of Science degree in Industrial Education in 1966. He coached wrestling one year at Menomonie High School and then arrived in Wisconsin Rapids in 1966, where he spent the next 40+ years teaching Driver's Education and coaching wrestling. Lewie received numerous awards throughout his coaching career, including inductions into the Wisconsin Coaches, National Wrestling, and National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame. He finished his coaching career with 17 State Championships over 700 dual wins.

Lewie enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling with Joyce, and spending time with family and friends. He valued relationships over all else, and made each and every one of the thousands of lives he touched feel special. He was a devoted husband of 59 years, a loving father, and the best grandpa in the world.

Lewie is survived by his wife, Joyce; sister, Elsie Miller; children, Scott (Kim) Benitz of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Vicki (Shane) Scoles of Kewaskum, WI, and Shane (Leslie) Benitz of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; grandchildren, Zak, Brock, Brett, Brittini, Brelynn, Braeden, Brielle, Bryston, Max, and Cale; step-grandchildren, Telycia and Matrix; and great grandchildren, Korey, Braedyn, Lylah and Brantley.

Lewie was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Ethel Benitz; in-laws, Clifford and Lucille Marlett; and siblings, Marian Nelson and Bill Benitz.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests monetary donations be made to the family to fund a scholarship in Lewie's name.

Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

https://www.ritchayfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Lewie-R-Benitz?obId=29980297
Seek excellence and truth instead of fame -John Prime
Courage is grace under pressure - Ernest Hemingway
Advocating "matside weigh-in" since 1997
"That's why they wrestle the matches"