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

Alice Beneker

February 02, 1932 - April 21, 2025

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