Patricia Benesh

Shared a photo.

I was a work colleague and friend of Pat's for my entire 27 years of Public service with Department of Health Services. Pat and I worked on three projects that exemplified her public service to others and were highlights of her career: Music & Memory; Cycling without Age and WisCaregiver Careers. Pat will be missed. RIP Pat.

I'll never forget our "spirited debates" regarding Brewers vs. Cubs and Packers vs. Bears.

My dear colleague Pat Benesh. She was my first supervisor when I started with the state of Wisconsin. I learned a lot and I hope that I earned her respect. Will miss working, talking and laughing with Pat. Benesh family, may the peace of God be with you.

Reflections from co-workers: "I, especially, will miss Pat. She was a wealth of knowledge that I could count on as we examined policies and their potential impact on vulnerable persons. She helped train/orient hundreds of field staff, inspectors, administrative staff, high level professional (executives) on our policies and their impact. She was a gem." "This loss will be tremendous to this agency and to this department." "She was a giant in our small agency and had the respect of many, even those who retired from our agency over the last 10 – 15 years." “People might not know, but oftentimes when media inquiries would come in, they would be on a topic that would get sent to both DQA and DMS, and it often felt like a race for each of us to say the question belonged to the other person's division. Unfortunately for me, Pat was almost always right. She always helped me understand what I needed to know about WHY it was ours, though. The first thought I had today was that I can still hear her voice in my head -- which makes it seem all the more unbelievable that she's gone. I will miss seeing her ping on Teams and picking up for a good conversation.” “I love that photo! I also had not seen her face for so long. And whenever we tried to set up a get-together in the last year it never worked out. She was so generous and sent me flowers on several occasions when I was ill. She was so special.” “Pat was one of the first people I worked with in DQA…. I worked with her constantly the past two years yet never saw her face because her camera was never on! She taught me almost everything I know about DQA and I know she had so much more knowledge to share. It sounds like we’ve all benefitted so much from her wisdom and good cheer, and it’s been very moving to hear all your stories this afternoon.” “Pat was always willing to give great advise, answer questions, word smith, and help with the tough customers. I had to help her last Thursday with Excel. I loved her sense of humor and always asked about how others are doing. Genuine and wise. I will miss her. “

Pat was a great boss always offered support and encouragement will never forget working with her my condolences. Sandra Baumgartner