Marilyn Louise Benter, age 89, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, January 7, 2024, at Forest Path of the Lutheran Community Home, Seymour.
Mrs. Benter was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married the love of her life, Robert Benter, and they were married for 65 wonderful years. She also belonged to Wegan Ladies Aid and served in various offices over the years.
Born on December 25, 1934, at her home, Marilyn was the daughter of Walter and Ella (Wessel) Wischmeier, both of whom preceded her in death. On April 1, 1956, she married Robert Norman Benter, and he preceded her in death on November 29, 2021.
Marilyn cherished her family dearly and led them by example by attending church and loving God. She was most proud of her Lutheran faith and passing her love of God down to her family. One of the most important things she believed in was raising her family in the church. She had family devotions, enjoyed singing Lutheran hymns with her family, and she loved attending their Christmas programs.
Marilyn enjoyed family get-togethers, including holidays and the annual Benter corn hole tournament. Marilyn loved cooking for her family, the church supper, and others. She especially loved baking peach pies. She enjoyed working side by side with her husband milking cows and driving tractors. Marilyn also loved gardening, canning, taking care of her flowers and rose bushes, and she always enjoyed attending the county fair with her husband and the entire Benter family.
Survivors include one son, Kevin (Tammie) Benter of Brownstown; four daughters: Kathy (Robert) Spieker of Seymour, Karen (Marvin) Holle of Crothersville, Kay (Leon) Klosterman of Dudleytown, and Karla (Patrick) Rieckers of Seymour; 12 grandchildren: Amy (Clint) Hackman, Lisa (Travis) Price, Jill (Chad) Price, Kelly (Matthew) Klosterman, Kari (Ty) Schwade, Kim (Jacob) Florine, Mark (Jordan) Spieker, Kyle (Lydia) Benter, Kasandra (Nathan) Mack, Ryan Benter, Kayla Holle, and Derek Rieckers (fiancé Brittany Clem); 18 great-grandchildren: Charlie Hackman, Austin Campbell, Will Hackman, Emmy Price, Lindsey Klosterman, Kylie Price, Drew Price, Allison Schwade, Simon Florine, Olivia Klosterman, Trey Price, Samuel Florine, Lily Price, Abigail Schwade, Haley Spieker, Ella Price, Landon Spieker, and Kate Klosterman; sister-in-law, Norma Wischmeier of Brownstown; brother-in-law, Curtis (Sarah) Benter of Seymour; sister-in-law, JoAnn (William) Brock of Seymour; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was also preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gustave and Emma Benter; brother and sister-in-law, Leroy and Erma Wischmeier; brother and sister-in-law, Noble and Melba Wischmeier; brother and sister-in-law, Alvin and Ruth Wischmeier; brother, Marvin Wischmeier; and brother and sisters-in-law, Waldo Wischmeier, Janet Wischmeier, and Linda Schafstall Wischmeier.
Funeral services for Marilyn Louise Benter will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan, with Pastor Joel Meyer officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan.
Interment will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan, Lutheran Central School or Donor's Choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com