Michael Benzel

1944 - 2024

Michael P. Benzel, age 79, of Menomonie, passed away on Monday, April 8 at MCHS-Eau Claire with family by his side.

Michael was born July 12, 1944 in Menomonie to Bill and Bertha (Peter) Benzel. He graduated from Menomonie High School in 1962 and from UW-Stout in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in industrial technology. After working in the field in Milwaukee, he returned to the university and in 1968 obtained a degree in industrial education and drivers' education. Mike taught industrial technology and drivers' education in the school district of Spring Valley for 31 years and then taught only driver's ed for an additional 10 years. He was proud to have helped hundreds reach milestones of independence by teaching them to drive.

On August 15, 1981, Mike and Judith Seliskar-Benzel were united in marriage, from which they were blessed with two daughters, Michelle and Kristine.

Mike loved living in Menomonie and following football, especially the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and the Menomonie High School teams. However, his favorite activities were hunting (turkey, deer, and game birds) and fishing (especially walleye). He managed to keep the freezer well-stocked, and it tickled him that the only fish the grandchildren would eat were those that Papa caught and prepared for them. Mike loved his family and his dogs. He could be seen walking his dog (currently a labradoodle named Teddy) every morning and then throwing a ball for the dog every afternoon. On mornings that he wasn't hunting or fishing he enjoyed meeting friends for coffee and cribbage. (On an especially good day, he would have his limit early enough that he could stop for coffee on his way home from the lake or woods!).

Mike was an active member of the Dunn Co. Fish and Game organization for decades and he also previously served on the Evergreen Cemetery board.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 42 years, Judy; daughters Michelle (Shelly) and Kristine (Kristy); and three grandchildren Nevaeh, Orion, and Emerson.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 15, at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Menomonie, with Pastor Stephen Hilding officiating. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery after the luncheon.

Memorials in Mike's name can be sent to the Dunn Co Humane Society, the School District of Spring Valley Education Foundation, or the Dunn Co. Fish and Game organization's Youth Fishing program.

Olson Funeral Home of Menomonie is serving the family.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at olsonfuneral.com.