George O. Benike, of Princeton, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at Markesan Residence Home. George was born on July 9, 1926, and had recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
George was born in Jackson, to Fred and Marie (Schluter) Benike. He was one of nine children. Orphaned at an early age, the children were raised by their grandmother, Margaret (Herman) Benike. At 17, George lied about his age to enlist in the Navy and served two tours of duty during World War II.
On August 6, 1952, he married Carol Lemke and remained at her side until her passing in February of 2025. In her later years, he served as her primary caregiver. Together they raised six children and spent most of their lives in Campbellsport prior to moving to Princeton.
George wore several hats throughout his working years. He was a mason, milkman, factory worker, and farmer. In his later years, George and his wife, Carol, owned and operated The Village Steakhouse in Eden and Benike’s Supper Club on Wallace Lake in West Bend.
In his early years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and watching the Packers. Later in life, George and Carol enjoyed gambling trips, and the Brewers and Badgers. He loved watching his children and grandchildren when they played sports and was President of the Cougar Club. He enjoyed the gang that made their way to Buck Weiss’s tavern after Friday night football and Sunday mornings. Family gatherings and holidays were always important as he enjoyed family time with his children and grandchildren. He was a proud and stubborn man who sometimes tested the patience of those who loved him.
Those George leaves behind to cherish his memory are his six children, Linda (Gordon) Lichtenberg of Princeton, Jeff (Lynette) Benike of Campbellsport, Mark (Lou Ann) Benike of Campbellsport, Gail (Gerry) Schmitt of Montello, Scott Benike of Campbellsport and Jim (Sandy) Benike of Eden; 18 grandchildren, Brian (Lynnell) Lichtenberg of Princeton, Kevin (Megan) Lichtenberg of Montello, Richard Benike of Kewaskum, Michael (Kelly) Benike of Campbellsport, Tim (Lacey) Benike of Fond du Lac, Tom (Megan) Benike of Bellevue, Chris (significant other, Steph) Benike of Eden, Bob (Rachel) Benike of Campbellsport, Peter (special friend, Spencer) Halfmann of Madison, Andrew Schmitt of Wauwatosa, Steve (fiancée Megan) Schmitt of Dodgeville, Dan (Jessica) Schmitt of Montello, Katie (Andy) Gruber of Campbellsport, Sarah (Luke) Immel of Eden, Dakota Benike of Campbellsport, Kassie Benike of Campbellsport, Kallie (Nick) Cusack of Jenison, MI, Kelsie (Brian) Herriges of Campbellsport; 37 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren (one pending); sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marie and Jack Lemke of West Bend; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marie Benike; his wife of nearly 73 years, Carol Benike; his siblings, Fred, Carl (Alice), Stella (Emil), John, Florence (Ramon), Beatrice (Wilbert), Mary Jane, Lucille (Kenneth); great-granddaughter, Madison; daughter-in-law, Lisa; many friends and in laws.
Dad had recently stated that he had lived a good life and was ready to join mom. The last months were difficult, but he is now at peace.
The family would like to thank Princeton EMS and police, Green Lake County Sheriff, SSM Ripon and their staff, SSM Cancer Center, especially Dr. VanderKooy and Tammie Lindsley for their patience and great care and the Markesan Residence Home for helping him through the last weeks of his life.
We would like to honor his memory with family and friends on Sunday, Oct. 18, at Mecan River Outfitters, W720 State Road 23, in Princeton from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be no formal service. No cards or gifts please.
“I’ll see you sometime.”
Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home
Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton
Serving the Family, 920-295-6631
