Anthony "Tony" E. Benkert

The 13th of 14 children of the late Nicholas and Bernadine (Boensch) Benkert, Anthony Edward Benkert (Tony) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep November 6, 2020 at the age of 56 years.
Born June 30, 1964, Tony graduated with the class of 1982 at Swan Valley High School. He had a deep love of farming and spent most of his life in agriculture. Apparently Heaven needed another farmer more than we did.
As a small child, one of his favorite past times was playing on the farm in the old woodpile, where he led his young siblings in designing and constructing makeshift log cabins and furniture for them to play with. This was the prelude to him becoming an amazingly talented carpenter who designed and built beautiful furniture and many embellishments for his home.
Growing up on the farm, Tony did chores and milked cows from a very young age before he even left for school in the morning. After supper, he once again headed to the barn to repeat this cycle. In the spring he planted and in the fall he harvested crops. During the summer, he sold surplus vegetables at the Benkert roadside stand. This upbringing contributed to the fierce work ethic Tony was known for.
He was well known, especially in Swan Creek and James Township as well as the entire Shields area, for his extraordinary customer service, deep caring for customers and impish smile the many years he worked at Things and More Party Store.
An exceptionally gifted entrepreneur, Tony created a deer feed business called Benkert Farms, which operated off the family farm on Swan Creek Road. Tony was always thinking of innovative ways to solve problems and implement new strategies to work more efficiently on the farm. He will be missed by his dedicated employees and many customers around the state.
Tony was a kind, gentle giant with a smile for everyone. He always had a joke or loved to tease his many nieces and nephews. The tractor and golf cart rides around the farm with him are precious memories they will always cherish. Tony had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone.
His deepest love was for his beautiful wife, Yuliia, and daughter Lili. Every day, he was humbled by the gift they were in his life and cherished them beyond all else. Together he and Yuliia developed and grew their business throughout Michigan. He will be deeply missed.
Tony married Yuliia Sots on November 1, 2013. She survives him. He also leaves his cherished daughter, Lili (Yevhenii) Sots. He leaves to remember him with love and gratitude 7 Benkert brothers: Nicholas (Pam); Lawrence; Tom (Tammy); Daniel; Paul (Vicky); Peter (Irene) and Brian. 6 sisters: Bernadette Bingham; Eileen (John) Cieszlak; Kathleen (David) Eichler; Lorraine (Tim) Wozniak; Ruth (Mark) Rivette; Barbara (John) Pitts. His mother-in-law and father-in-law: Anna Galayd and Gregori Savyanenko, two sisters-in-law: Lydmila Saryanenko and Anna (Massimo Bucca) Meroshnishenko. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as his Aunt Yvonne Boensch. Tony was predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law Marc Bingham.
Funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2020 at St. Dominic Parish, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 2711 Mackinaw Rd. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate with burial at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. on Friday from 3:00-8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Pursuant to the current state orders indoor building capacity is limited, face masks are required, and social distancing encouraged. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to help stop the spread of covid-19 in our community. Memorial donations may be made to the wishes of the family.

May the Angels welcome you to Paradise, our precious Tony. We love you.