Pauline B. Benze

Pauline B. Benze, age 98, of Columbus, formerly of O'Neill, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, at the Golden LivingCenter in Columbus.

Visitation was held on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, from 5-8 p.m., with an 8 p.m. rosary, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill with Rev. James Netusil officiating.

Music was provided by organist, Susan Kramer, soloist, Marvin Ziska and flutist, Siobhann Paulman.

Pallbearers were Tim McMahon, Jack McMahon, Patrick McMahon, Hans Wrage, T.J. McMahon, Will Abboud and Colin McMahon.

Burial was in the O'Neill Calvary Cemetery in O'Neill.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of arrangements.

Pauline was born on Aug. 9, 1914, in Burlington, CO, to Jerrold and Mamie (Anderson) Dusatko. She grew up on a farm north of Emmet and graduated from St. Mary's Academy in O'Neill in 1933.

She met Henry "Shorty" Benze and they were married on Oct. 7, 1940, in Emmet at the Church of the Epiphany. They spent most of their married life in Emmet and O'Neill. Henry passed away on June 22, 1959.

Pauline worked as a secretary at St. Mary's High School and spent several years in the offices of S&S Farm Stores.

She loved to quilt, sew, fish and ice fish.

She was an active member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary, St. Patrick's Quilting Circle, St. Patrick's Altar Society and she was also a Gold Star Mother.

Pauline is survived by three daughters: Mary Helen "Cookie" Fuchs and husband, David of Humphrey, Carmen McMahon and husband, Jack of Central City and Nancy Shadle and husband, John of Columbus; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Margaret Dusatko of O'Neill and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; son, Patrick; her parents; two brothers, Leonard and Bernard Dusatko; sister, Geraldine Schoenle and one grandson, Chad Henry Benze.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Schools.