Benish, Kathryn Ann

Kathryn Ann Benish, age 76 of Highland, passed away peacefully, in a way that was perfectly her own, surrounded by her family on November 18, 2025.

Kathy was born on May 8, 1949, in Port Washington, Wisconsin, to Steven and Jeanette (Gryga) Kowalski, as the second of five children: John, Joann, Bill, and Jimmy. She loved telling stories and sharing memories from her childhood, especially the years living in Port Washington with her mom, dad, and older brother, Johnny. She often laughed about the trouble the two of them found themselves in, though she always insisted it was his fault. Later in life, their sibling rivalry migrated to a loving friendship.

Kathy also told stories of moving, one of which brought her to Highland, where she met Jack, her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, and her husband of 57 years. Jack and Kathy married January 23, 1968, prior to Jack being enlisted into the US Army, and the marriage was blessed on August 21,1968. Together they built a beautiful life filled with four children: Roshelle, Mickelle, Ronald, and Jonelle, each of whom she built a special relationship and put first in everything she did.

Kathy was a natural caregiver, so being an incredible mother came effortlessly to her. The way she loved, big, wide, and without hesitation, meant that she became “mom” to many others as well. Friends of her children, her Iowa summer kids, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless others found comfort, warmth, and safety in her presence. The messages, visits, and check-ins that flooded in after her diagnosis were a true testament to the lasting impact she had made on so many hearts.

One of the ways Kathy cared for those she loved was through food. Whether it was something simple like roast in the oven, tater tot casserole, or meatloaf, or holiday favorites like her golumpki, fish and sauerkraut, pumpkin pie, pecan fingers, and Ritz peanut butter cookies. No one went hungry if Kathy was around. If you showed up unannounced, you simply had to open the fridge, where there were always plenty of leftovers because she cooked as if she were feeding a small army, something from Schwann's whether it was a frozen pizza, a complete meal option, rootbeer float popsicles, or at least a half dozen different types of ice cream to choose from. 

Kathy’s bluntness and straightforward honesty were as much a part of her as her effortless love. She had a talent for saying exactly what she thought, and her trademark opener, “I don’t mean to be rude…” was almost always followed by something that was, in fact, very rude. Periodically this boldness was directed at those she cherished, however more often than not she used her own uniquely direct way as a shield for those she cared about trying to make them feel better about whatever situation they were facing. Regardless, somehow, her honesty never deterred people from loving her. If anything, it drew them closer, because they knew her heart: loyal, sincere, and fiercely protective.

From the beginning of time, Kathy was effortlessly on trend. Whether it was the way she cut and dyed her hair, the wigs she wore in her younger years, a purse to match every outfit, perfect jewelry or the outfits she chose, she always had an eye for style. She began a cherished tradition of going shopping for each of the girls’ birthdays, and she looked forward to those birthday shopping sprees every year. Her love of shoes, especially Birkenstocks, bordered easily on collector status based on the number of pairs she owned. Her appreciation for looking cute, staying fashionable, and enjoying a good shopping trip was something she proudly passed on to her girls, including her three granddaughters, who inherited her love of style and her flair for putting things together just right.

In her early years of marriage, Kathy spent much of her time with her in-laws, who embraced her as if she had always been part of their family, especially while Jack was deployed with the Army. Their kindness and love meant the world to her, and she spoke of those memories often. As life went on, Jack and Kathy could be found riding dirt bikes with Shelly and Mikki, dancing on John and Millie’s patio or waterskiing on Blackhawk with the girls. 

When they moved out to the farm, Kathy was always outside, always on the move, always tan, and always in charge of everything and everyone. Whether she was tending to animals, caring for children and grandchildren, or managing the pool, she handled it all with love. Her children often found it humorous (and slightly frustrating) that the same orders she would bark to the grandkids (which usually escalated from telling to yelling) were the very things the grandkids adored about their Nana. She defended them fiercely, even when they were clearly in the wrong. She loved them bigger than big, and the grandbabies knew it.

Her expressions of love were unmistakable: always an “I love you the mostest,” followed by a “God Bless,” three taps during a hug meaning “I love you,” the 3 blinks of a porch light as you drove away, or her constant orders to “be safe.” Even after her terminal cancer diagnosis, her first instinct was to start giving instructions, none of which had anything to do with her. She wanted to make sure everyone else was okay, everyone was cared for.

 Kathy was the most selfless person you could ever meet (unless it came to your restaurant order). People gravitated toward her, and she had a way of striking up conversations with complete strangers, often leaving her family waiting patiently while she made a new friend. She carried a warmth that made everyone feel seen, and a presence that made everyone feel loved. Kathy felt like home. 

As long as Kathy was with her family she was exactly where she wanted to be. She also was most comfortable in her favorite place: home. 

Kathy is survived by her husband of 57 years, Jack Benish; her children, Roshelle McGuire and her husband, Chris, and their family; Emily; Brent and Lewis Bublitz; James, Jorie, and Joseph McGuire; and David and Jade McGuire; Mickelle Hansen and her husband, Jon, and their son, Marcus; Ronald Benish and his wife, Andrea, and their children Gabe, Noah, and Ivy; and Jonelle Degenhardt and her husband, Jeff, and their children Tucker, Tanner, and Hazel. She is also survived by her sister, Joann Cynor; her brother, Bill (Pam) Kowalski; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Kowalski; her brother- and sister-in-law, Ron and Mary Benish; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members; and special friends who were like family to her, including Geri Riley, and Natalie and Caleb Hansen.

 Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Steven and Jeanette Kowalski; her in-laws, John J. and Mildred Benish; her brothers, John and James Kowalski; her sister-in-law and best friend, Judith Benish; and special angel, Emmett Hanson.

Honoring Kathy’s wishes, there will be no funeral services held. The Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit: www.larsonfuneralhomes.com