Alice Beneker

Alice Beneker

February 02, 1932 - April 21, 2025

Obituary

MADISON - Alice Zieckas Beneker passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, after a long and active life. According to Alice’s wishes, we’re letting her say her own farewell.


Hi! It’s me - once, and only once, more. Life is what you make of it. I chose mine to be filled with love, laughter, family, and friends.


So, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has been a part of my full and wonderful life, who has walked beside me in good times and carried me through the hard times. My childhood friends in Bridgeport, Conn. My college roommates and friends at Central Connecticut State University. My neighbors in Monona who welcomed us with open arms and made a community. My superlative colleagues at Elvehjem Elementary School - we sure had a great team. My gang of “retired teachers” who were my travel companions and fellow card players. My church family at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, truly my second family. My sons Jeff and Brian, who were the best sons anyone could ask for - I’m so proud of you. My grandchildren Helen and Luis, who came at the right time and brought much love and joy to us all. My daughter-in-law Lisa, who morphed into my guardian angel and was like a daughter to me. My siblings George, Ted, Effie, and Ruth, who turned our childhood into days I would never forget - we sure caused a lot of worries for our folks. My mama and papa who came here from Greece and taught us how to be the best we could be. I hope I’ve lived up to their dreams. And, last but not least, by any means, my friend and husband Roger, who brought me to Wisconsin where together we built a life worth living. I hope I didn’t miss anyone, and if I did, it was not on purpose. My life was so full and everyone in it made it so. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life is a gift, and I am so appreciative of you sharing yours with me.


God bless, take care, hug, smile, and be all you can be. As Roger would say, Happy trails to you until we meet again!


Alice’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Agrace Hospice, and especially to Nikki and Mary Jo, for their expert care and compassionate support.


A funeral service will be held at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 North 7th St., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will follow the luncheon at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.


In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Alice’s name to Agrace Foundation (https://www.agrace.org/donate/) or Assumption Greek Orthodox Church (https://agocwi.org).


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Events

30
Visitation
Wed Apr 30, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church • WI
30
Funeral Service
Wed Apr 30, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church • WI
30
Luncheon After Service
Wed Apr 30, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM CDT
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church • WI
No photos of Alice have been shared yet.
AB
A Memorial Tree was planted for Alice Zieckas Beneker
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Middleton
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Stephani (George) Thompson
Other •
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your family as being part of the Westgate gang growing up. My parents were Gene and Kay George. Sending prayers and hugs to your family.
LT
Lynne Toseff
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As I was looking thru the obituaries this morning and realized that somehow I knew Alice from somewhere. Elvehjem - I delivered Science Materials to all of the schools in the MMSD. What a beautiful story she has described of her life here on Earth. She is probably organizing an activity inside the Pearly Gates already. Blessings to you all.
LH
Linda Hoelzel
Other •
At my age I read the obituaries every Sunday. Today I saw Mrs Beneker’s life story. When I was in middle school in Whitewater, she was my English teacher circa 1961. Coincidentally we both settled in Monona and I ran into her once or twice. I could never call her Alice. She was a role model. I eventually minored in English and taught English as well as French in area schools. I remember her fondly. My sympathies to her family. Linda Hoelzel
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Amy Larson
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Thinking of Alice's family. Alice was my wonderful neighbor and friend. I will plant a few extra flowers in the garden for her this year! She will be deeply missed.
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Eric Paulson
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Mrs. Beneker was my 2nd grade teacher in '86-'87 @ Elvehjem. The first great memory was the gumball machine! She definitely had a way to keep her students motivated and have memorable lessons that I still remember to this day. The 7 continents and oceans song I can still sing today. Thank you for being such a great influence to me and most likely hundreds of others. R.I.P. -Eric Paulson

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