WAUNAKEE - Michael "Mike" Benkert, age 24 of Waunakee, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 as a result of a tragic motor vehicle incident. He was born June 12, 1986 in Madison, son of Daniel and Kathy (Hill) Benkert. He was in the class of 2005 of Waunakee High School. Mike had recently discovered a new lifestyle and had serious ambitions for himself. He was so looking forward to follow his interest in studying electronics this fall; Ultimate fitness had become his pride, pushing himself to maximum fitness levels in intellect and physical being. His next goal was to become his mom's personal trainer. His new found freedom was "living the dream" on his boat that his father and him fixed up together. Mike and his helpers, Nicole, Danielle, Alexis, and others' went boating whenever possible. Mike's humor was always present, and recent quote, "it's not a skin tone it's a way of life" when someone commented on his great tan! Mike spent many days snow-skiing with friends and looked forward to a yearly ski trip with Grandma Bernice. Mike spent hours working on computers with his close friends, Scott, Jake, Jesse, and others. Michael was a great hearted person with an awesome smile and an amazing spirit. Michael had good friends in many places and of many lifestyles, to numerous to mention them all, but always close in his thoughts. He never judged, and always gave whatever he could to help. He lived his life to the fullest with no time to lull around. Mike had a vast amount of knowledge for his young life and was pleased by his achievements. Michael lost his baby sister "Lizzy" in August 2007.
Michael is survived by his parents, and sister Danielle of Waunakee; grandmothers, Bernice Benkert and Joyce Austin (Hill) of Monroe; step-grandfather, Robert Austin; aunts, uncles, many cousins, and lots of good friends. He will be terribly missed by his family and friends, and canine companions, Floyd, Ozzy, and Stellie. Proceeded in death by his beloved sister Elizabeth (Lizzy) August 5, 2007, both of his grandfathers, Daniel Benkert SR (1990), and Donald Hill (1975). Michael wished for a celebration of his life and wanted everyone he knew or knew him and his family to be welcome. We wonder how to carry on, it's hard but we can take comfort in the fact that he's with Liz now and in due time we will all be re-united. Mike's spirit will live on.
A casual service and celebration will be held at the Benkert residence, 6475 State Road 113 Waunakee, WI 53597, on August 7, 2010 beginning at 2 p.m. All are welcome, come as you are! Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home in Monroe is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Mike's memory.
Michael is survived by his parents, and sister Danielle of Waunakee; grandmothers, Bernice Benkert and Joyce Austin (Hill) of Monroe; step-grandfather, Robert Austin; aunts, uncles, many cousins, and lots of good friends. He will be terribly missed by his family and friends, and canine companions, Floyd, Ozzy, and Stellie. Proceeded in death by his beloved sister Elizabeth (Lizzy) August 5, 2007, both of his grandfathers, Daniel Benkert SR (1990), and Donald Hill (1975). Michael wished for a celebration of his life and wanted everyone he knew or knew him and his family to be welcome. We wonder how to carry on, it's hard but we can take comfort in the fact that he's with Liz now and in due time we will all be re-united. Mike's spirit will live on.
A casual service and celebration will be held at the Benkert residence, 6475 State Road 113 Waunakee, WI 53597, on August 7, 2010 beginning at 2 p.m. All are welcome, come as you are! Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home in Monroe is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Mike's memory.