Otto E. Benak

Otto E. Benak, 76, of Williamsburg passed away Thursday, January 26, 2012. He was born May 26, 1935 in Williamsburg to Jerry and Emilie (Nosil) Benak at the family home. He graduated from Williamsburg High School. Otto loved to learn and even once read the entire encyclopedia. On July 19, 1957 he married Valerie Zimmer in East Orange NJ. Together they raised 6 children. Otto worked for 34 years for the Grand Traverse County Road Commission as a surveyor. He enjoyed cutting wood, hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, farming, and nature. He loved and adored his family, especially his grandchildren.

Otto will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 55 years Valerie; children: Emily (Norm) Krogel of Williamsburg, Kathleen (John) Bernat of Sun Rise, FL, Patricia (Raymond) Migatz of Ocklawaha, FL, and Kevin (Shonda) Benak of Traverse City; 9 Grandchildren: Christopher (Paula) Krogel, Ryan (Lauren) Krogel, Lindsey Krogel, Megan Bernat, Hannah Bernat, Andrea Bernat, Cameron Benak, Kendra Benak, and Benak Smith; many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Otto was preceded in death by daughters: Infant Susan K. and Barbara Benak Smith, Granddaughter Tamera Krogel, and 4 brothers: Tony, Eddie, Jim, and Charlie.

Services for both Otto and Barbara will be a visitation Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 3-5 p.m. at the Elk Rapids Baptist Church, 400 E 3rd St., Elk Rapids. A funeral will be held Monday, January 30, 2012 at 11 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior also at the church. Burial for both Otto and Barbara will be in the spring at Circle Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.