William A. Benesch

William Arthur “Bill Benesch’s soul, age 74, of Rapid River, MI, is now soaring towards the heavens in flight with the eagles. He was passionate about preserving the Earth and her resources leaving only a small footprint behind. Bill often described himself as “nothing but a simple woodsman,” yet he was much more.

Running was his passion. He received a track scholarship from the University of Rhode Island and participated in numerous marathons across the country, including the Boston Marathon. He worked hard at it. His athletic motto was “out train somebody today.”

In 2007, Bill received the Wings Across the Americas award for Outstanding Achievement in Conservation from the U.S. Forest Service for the Monarch Butterfly Research Project. Runners came from all over to participate in his Monarch Butterfly Run at the lighthouse in Stonington. He was chairman of the event for its 2 consecutive years and hand built every lighthouse award.

A master and self-taught wildlife carver, Bill has collectors of his duck and songbird carvings across the country. Bill was honored to be featured on TV6’s Discovering, talking about his art and love of the U.P.

Bill also spent many years caring for properties on the Stonington Peninsula.

At every opportunity, Bill thanked Veterans for their service. He was all ears if they wanted to shared their story and many did.

Bill leaves behind is love and soulmate, Susan Benesch of Stonington; daughter, Megan Morrison and her children, Caleb and Shaylee of Lithia, FL; stepson, Shaun Pitz of Marquette, MI; stepdaughter, Molly (Brent) Phillips of Clermont, FL and their children, Luke, Madelyn, and Morgan. He treasured his marine friend and running buddy, Dick Jenkins; along with friends, Tom and Portia Whale who helped in many ways through these last couple of years. Bill loved his devoted rescue dogs, Odie and Patch, who always helped to make the day better.

A special thank you to Pastor Bill Rafuse for his kindness. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the OSF Med-Surg nurses who were unbelievably kind and helpful. Jennifer, Sue, Marion, Leanne, Josh, Omar, and many more special people treated Bill like family.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, no services will be held. Bill’s cremains will be spread across the Upper Peninsula, the home he cherished. The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Benesch family and expressions of sympathy can be directed to Anderson Funeral Home, 903 Wisconsin Avenue, Gladstone, MI 49837.

Fly free, Bill.

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