John E. Benishek, age 84, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away on Monday, August 27, 2012 at his residence, after a full and active life.

John was born on June 4, 1928 in Manitowoc to the late Emil and Olive (Siebenborn) Benishek. He graduated from Lincoln High School and attended St. Norbert's College.

In 1947, John married Betty Post of Manitowoc, and had one son, Nicholas J. Benishek, now living in Dana Point, California.

John was a very successful salesman for Mirro Aluminum, Pitney-Bowes, and Industrial Saws, Inc. For nearly 50 years, he lived in the Seattle area, and travelled throughout the Northwest for his work.

John greatly enjoyed a wide variety of outdoor activities, which included fishing, boating, camping and skiing. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol for many years. Having taken flying lessons as a boy, he renewed his interest in flying after retirement, completed his hours, and became a licensed pilot. His greatest passion for the past 20 years was flying his Piper Cherokee across the country. Another great source of enjoyment for John was motorcycling, which he did even into his 80's.

John was an involved and loving uncle to all his nieces and nephews, along with staying deeply connected to his son and all his siblings. John made many friends wherever he lived, including those in the flying and motorcycling communities in the Manitowoc area.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and his three younger brothers, Paul, Mark and Jim Benishek. He is survived by his son, Nick, his sister, Anne Benishek-Clark (Bill) of Madison, his sister-in-law, Sharon Benishek (Mark) of Green Bay; nieces, Anne (Benishek) Owens and Olivia Clark; and nephews, Mike Benishek, Steve Benishek, David Benishek, Mark Benishek II, and Nicholas Clark.

John's family is deeply grateful to Ray Roethle, the best and most faithful friend anyone could hope to have. Ray's help to John and the Benishek family went far beyond the call of duty. The family also thanks HomeCare Health and Hospice for their kind and thorough assistance to John over these past weeks and months.

A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, N. 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.