Traverse City Record-Eagle

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January 27, 2012

Otto E. Benak

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WILLIAMSBURG — Otto E. Benak, 76, of Williamsburg, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. He was born May 26, 1935, in Williamsburg, to Jerry and Emilie (Nosil) Benak at the family home.

He graduated from Williamsburg High School.

Otto loved to learn and once even read the entire encyclopedia.

On July 19, 1957, he married Valerie Zimmer in East Orange, N.J. Together they raised six children.

Otto worked for 34 years for the Grand Traverse County Road Commission as a surveyor.

He enjoyed cutting wood, hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, farming and nature. He loved and adored his family, especially his grandchildren.

Otto will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 55 years, Valerie; children, Emily (Norm) Krogel, of Williamsburg, Kathleen (John) Bernat, of Sun Rise, Fla., Patricia (Raymond) Migatz, of Ocklawaha, Fla., and Kevin (Shonda) Benak, of Traverse City; eight grandchildren, Christopher (Paula) Krogel, Ryan (Lauren) Krogel, Lindsey Krogel, Megan Bernat, Hannah Bernat, Andrea Bernat, Cameron Benak and Kendra Benak; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Otto was preceded in death by daughters, infant, Susan K. and Barbara Benak Smith; granddaughter, Tamera Krogel; and four brothers, Tony, Eddie, Jim and Charlie.

Visitation for both Otto and Barbara will be Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Elk Rapids Baptist Church, 400 E. Third St., Elk Rapids. A funeral will be held Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, also at the church. Burial for both Otto and Barbara will take place in the spring at Circle Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.

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