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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Chippewa Herald on Dec. 6, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Lewie Benitz

Sponsored by Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids.

6 Entries

Cheryl Engel

December 30, 2023

He was well liked my a lot of students did his job well and treated everyone the same with respect and was respected back one of a kind

Cal Tackes

November 30, 2023

I will always remember the the times I worked with Lewie as a coach and/or official. It was his passion and enthusiasm for the sport and the kids that impressed me right from the beginning. I always strived to create the quality of program that he had established. I can recall many conversations about wrestling and football that left me with positive feelings and a desire to talk again down the road. His legacy will live on for future generations. Cal Tackes (Stratford)

Ron & Julie Ashbeck

November 28, 2023

A great coach is defined not only as a winner, but one who understands each of their athletes, their strength and weaknesses, what drives them, and how to get the best out of each athlete. Coach Lewie had the ability to do that with his wrestlers. He was respected, trusted, focused, observant, knowledgeable, a character builder and a great communicator. Above all, he was an outstanding motivator. He had built a dynasty in Rapids Wrestling during his tenure, and forever will be remembered as a wrestling coach legend. Thanks Coach Lewie for the all the great memories. To Joyce, Scott, Vicki, Shane and your families, we wish the loving memories of Lewie bring you peace and comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Rapids Wrestling Parents of Kody "1998 - 2002" - Ron & Julie Ashbeck

Gail Lasecke

November 26, 2023

Louie and I share the same birthday. It is hard to believe he is gone so soon. Louie's son, Scott, coached my boys for a time at John Edwards High School in Port Edwards. I'm sure Scott always had his Dad's advice. The Coate's family, who live next door to us, became the shining stars at Lincoln High School, under Scott's coaching. We are so proud of this entire coaching staff under Louie's direction. He will be missed by many athletes. Without men like Louie and his son Scott, there would be so many of our young people who are left without direction and purpose, education being foremost in their guidance. Thank you, Louie... and Scott for all you have done within our educational and sports progams in our school systems. ~ Gail Phillips-Lasecke

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Tim Schermetzler

November 25, 2023

I wrestled for Marshfield from '71 - '74. Lincloln Fieldhouse was no fun to visit. I met him in '73 at an AAU tournament in Rapids. He inspired me to work harder. My respects.

Harold ehrenreich

November 24, 2023

My sympathy to the family of Lewie. Memories for me, same Stout years. 1965/1966 degree years. Sincerely, Harold Ehrenreich.

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