Michael Benedict

Michael L. Benedict, age 61, of Winona, passed away peacefully in his home, and went on to his final resting place on Friday, August 23, 2019.

Michael was born on September 20, 1957, to Raymond Martin Benedict and Shirley Mae Phillips, and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1977. He then went on to serve in the National Guard, and later enlisted in the Army, where he proudly served his country from 1977-1999. Michael was united in marriage to Burnette (Sorenson) on May 10, 1980, at St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winona.

Michael is survived by his wife, Burnette; his children who he called his honkers, Darla (Tanya), Nicole and Lucas Benedict; his grandchildren, Cody, Ahron and Autumn; his great grandchildren, Lilian and Octavia; his brothers, Bob (Tracey), Raymond, Jerry (Dawn), and sister Patty (Jaime). He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Benedict, his mother, Shirley Phillips, and his brother, Billy Benedict.

During Michael's time in the military, he served in Desert Storm from 1990-1991. He also did a 6 month tour in Haiti in 1995. He took pride in serving his country, and his Army buddies were like brothers, Horrah! He was a member of the VFW, and the Desert Storm Association.

Michael was a devoted husband and father, and was a great provider for his family. He loved and took pride in being a Papa. He had a great sense of humor and his passion was to bring a smile to everyone. He was a jack of all trades, loved DIY projects, and his final gift to us all was his spray paint art. He was a simple man, a man who didn't care much to keep up with the Jones', but was content with keeping up the Flintstones. He liked the outdoors, and fishing with his favorite lure, the Moss Boss. He loved Elvis, and graced us with his impersonation of Elvis. He loved spending quality time with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards with family, video games with his children and grandchildren and playing the slots at the casino.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 PM until 5 PM on Friday, August 30, 2019, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, where the Veterans of Foreign Wars Neville-Lien Post 1287 will provide military honors at 5 PM.  A gathering will follow at the Winona VFW Club, 208 East Third Street, from 5:30 PM to 9 PM.

The honorary pallbearer will be Lucas Benedict, and the pallbearers will be the grandchildren.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Michael’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.