Leona “Lee” Benzala, of Antigo, died Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after complications from surgery. She was 84 years old. She was born on October 13, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois a daughter of William and Michaline (Kazmierczek) Kerstein. She married Bernard Benzala on September 9, 1950 in Chicago. Lee and Bernie provided a loving home where their daughters felt blessed to have them as parents. Bernie preceded her in death on June 10, 2012.

Mrs. Benzala worked as a waitress. She and her husband owned and operated Bernies Body Shop in Wittenberg for over 34 years where Lee served as bookkeeper.

Spending time with family was most valuable to Lee. Her hobbies included gardening, crossword puzzles, reading, cooking, crocheting, bowling and shooting pool.

Survivors include three daughters, Judy (Gordon) Rutter of Roseburg, Oregon, Janice (Scott) Rutter of Merrill, Jeanne (James) Miller of Elcho; four grandchildren, Matthew Rutter, Kent (Kristin) Rutter, Addison Rutter, Kendall Rutter; two great grandchildren Isaac and Hannah Rutter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, one sister Michaline Peters; four brothers, William, Ronald, Kenneth and Theodore Kerstein.

A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Burial will take place in Holy Family Cemetery in Wittenberg. Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Eastview for the kind and loving care given to Leona the past three years.