Joyce M. Benkert

Joyce M. Benkert, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on October 31, 2023 at the age of 87. She was born on December 29, 1935 in Saginaw to the late Joseph G. and Helen R. (Kosciuszko) Urbanowski.

She married her true love and best friend Carl William Benkert on July 6, 1957. Their 66-year marriage was a true committed partnership based on love and respect, which revolved around their deep dedication to their children, grandchildren and each other.

Joyce graduated from Holy Rosary Catholic High School and moved forward through life in faith as a devoted member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed her role as a Catechism teacher and was particularly proud of the Christmas pageant her students performed for the congregation each Holiday season. Joyce also felt led to share her faith as a dedicated lay minister who regularly visited the sick and house bound.

Joyce was happiest when traveling with Carl across the United States and Canada, visiting 48 of the States; taking in the sights, listening to the waves on a beach and just being on the road together. Her family was appreciative for the time and attention she spent making sure each holiday, birthday and family event was special and memorable. Joyce loved to garden and took pride in the beautiful flowers and plants she lovingly raised and nurtured on the family farm in Spaulding Township. She also had a talent for crocheting cozy afghan blankets, sewing and cooking wonderful, comforting meals.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Carl, daughters Kathy (John Voise) Benkert, Joni St. Charles (partner Jerry Hanes), Christine (Kris Pool) Pool, daughter-in-law Margo Benkert, 4 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her son, David M. Benkert; her infant daughter, Mary Benkert, two brothers and nine sisters.

May she rest in eternal peace knowing that she made the world a better place through her love, kindness, and grace.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, from 12-2pm and 4-8pm at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603.  The funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the funeral home, followed by interment in Spaulding Township Cemetery.

Please visit www.casefuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave condolences to the family. An expression of flowers would be welcome by the family and can be sent to W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors.