Carol Benke of Middle River, MN, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 26, 2016 at her home, surrounded by her family, at the age of 73.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Middle River, MN, with Father Luis Buitron presiding. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Middle River, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service on Monday, August 29, 2016 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Middle River, MN. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday at the church.

Carol Ann (Banaszewski) Benke was born on May 16, 1943 in Nelson Park Township, Marshall County, MN, the daughter of Frank and Florence (Nowacki) Banaszewski.  She was raised in the Florian area and baptized and confirmed at Assumption Catholic Church  Carol attended Englund Country School  until 8 th grade.  She graduated in 1961 from Strandquist High School.

Following high school she worked at the Karlstad State Bank in Karlstad, MN, which is currently Prime Security Bank.  Prior to retirement in 2009 she worked for Wells Fargo Bank in Thief River Falls for 7 ½ years.  Following retirement Carol assisted on the family farm as she always had with cattle and the farm operation.

On November 26, 1966 Carol was united in marriage to Raymond Benke at Assumption Catholic Church in Florian.  They were blessed with five children:  Bradley, Rayette, Jeffrey, Michael, and Patrick.  For the last 49 years they have made their home near Middle River in Spruce Valley Township, Marshall County, MN.

Carol enjoyed reading, puzzles, playing cards, canning, gardening, baking and cooking for her family, and attending her grandchildren's activities.

She was a wonderful wife, mom, grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend.

Carol is survived by her husband, Raymond of Middle River, MN; children, Bradley (Joey) Benke of Middle River, MN, Rayette (Michael) Schramm of Willmar, MN, Jeffrey (Dawn) Benke of Newfolden, MN, Michael (Jennifer) Benke of Middle River, MN, and Patrick (Debbie) Benke of Greenbush, MN; 14 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Janice (Robert) Blazejewski of Strandquist, MN; sister-in-law, Barbara Banaszewski of Roseau, MN; brother-in-law, Ronnie (Barbara) Benke of Newfolden, MN; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Janet Gostanczik on July 12, 2012; brother, Dewayne Banaszewski Sr. on October 6, 2014; and brother-in-law, Leonard Benke on December 28, 2004.