Mark Benkowski, 66
On 2-16-2023 Mark's breathing slowed peacefully to a stop and passed like falling snow through the hands of his children, embraced by his rescued cat.
Leaving behind his three children Collin, Landin and Leya. Survived by his four brothers Kevin, Patrick, Tony, Tim and his sister Monica. Reunited with his mother Ruth, father Tony, and brother David. Regretfully, departed from his beloved granddaughter, Ellie.
His legacy immortalized by his affinity for the natural world, his care for his craft in cooking and above all; his immeasurable love for his family. He could know no greater peace as his final years were abundant in everything a retired man could aspire. He hunted, he fished, he swam, he foraged, he cooked, he gardened, he laughed and loved dogged and deeply.
On any given morning he could've been found in front of his television, cat in lap, enamored with his old westerns. On any given day he could've been found in old forests, a glimmer in his eye as he foraged for mushrooms and bone in endless wonder. On any given evening he could've been found over the stove as a pleasant cacophony of laughter and music inspired his dinner. And now, in any given moment, his spirit can still be found in the woods, on the water, buried in the garden, and far from here in the dry desert air.
While there is comfort to be found in his lingering essence, it could never fill the yawning maw in our hearts, left in his wake. It could never fill our mortal bellies again with such wonderful food. It could never be the tangible fatherly embrace that kept us vertical. Regardless, we find solace in our faith that one day we will be reunited. Where we will laugh, drink, eat and it will be as though we never parted.
His life will be celebrated on February 26th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Hartson Funeral Home in Hales Corners. We will share stories and memories after visitation at 5pm.