LORRAINE SMITH BENKELMAN
Lorraine Benkelman died with her family by her side June 15, 2012 in her home in Caseville from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She was 81.
Born in Kalamazoo February 12, 1931 to Clarence W. and Cora Page Smith, she was raised in Kalamazoo and studied business at Michigan State University for two years before marrying Robert F. Benkelman September 30, 1950. They lived in East Lansing and Bay City before settling in the Thumb in 1962, when Mr. Benkelman founded the Tuscola Broadcasting Company. After several years as a homemaker, Mrs. Benkelman joined her husband in the administration of the radio station, WKYO in Caro, where she used her accounting training and business sense to help run the enterprise.
In retirement, she and her husband owned a home near Tampa, FL but they returned to Caseville year-round in 2004. Mrs. Benkelman loved entertaining and spending time with her friends in the Thumb, who knew her as "Smitty". She also enjoyed researching family histories and other topics on the Internet. She was naturally computer-savvy, often helping her friends with computer setups and fixing their Internet connections.
Her husband preceded her in death September 22, 2006 as did her sister, Carole Ann Penturf in 1992 and a grandson, Keith Brooks in 2006. She is survived by three daughters: Carole (Kevin Larke) Benkelman of St. Johns, Catherine (Charles) Brooks of Sheridan, AR and Susan (Kenneth Fireman) Benkelman of Bethesda, MD; grandchildren: Jason Tetreau, Carrie Tetreau, Andrew Larke, Steven (Amber) Brooks, Eric Brooks, Catherine Fireman, Alexandra Fireman; and a great granddaughter, Faith Brooks.
A Memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 22, 2012 at her graveside in Elkland Township Cemetery. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Memorials may be made to Rawson Memorial Library. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz 989-872-2195
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