Anne Elizabeth Bembenek, 87, of Milwaukee, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024.
She was born on January 16, 1937, at her family’s farm, Lone Pine Homestead, in New Berlin, WI, which was built by her great-grandfather in the late 1840s. Anne attended Elmwood Elementary School in New Berlin and graduated from West Milwaukee High School in 1955. After high school, she worked at Splinter’s Pickles alongside her sister, Pat. Later, after her sons were in school, Anne worked for many years at Down’s Collectors Showcase and Best Electric in West Allis. She was a dedicated worker who enjoyed the social aspect of her jobs and would have continued working for as long as she could.
Her loved ones will fondly remember her frequent check-in calls, often starting with a simple “I don’t know nuttin’” or “I don’t know what this weather is gonna do.” When she visited, she would always say, “We’re not staying long,” though her presence lingered as a comfort long after the visit ended.
Anne had a deep love for polka music and danced well into her seventies. Even when she could no longer dance, she never missed her Saturday morning polka show or a local church festival, keeping the music close to her heart. Anne was a lifelong member of St. Gregory’s Church, where her faith and connection to the community were always important to her.
She is survived by her husband, Daniel; her children, Andrew (Corinne) Kozeniecki, Michael Kozeniecki, Jerome (LeAnn), Brenda (Jeff) Schaefer, and Debbie (Lee) Falkavagh; her grandchildren, Amanda (Nick) Wilfong, Kaitlyn (Chris) Ronan, and Jenni (Rasia) Posey; her great-grandchild, Levi Wilfong, and her sister, Delores Kopplin. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, Anthony Kozeniecki; her parents, Ralph and Cecelia Heaton, and her sisters, Theresa, Rita, Monica, and Patricia.
Family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and chaplain at VITAS Hospice and to Anne’s nieces, Colleen Hoerl, Barbara Lindner, and Kathy Thorp for keeping her smiling and comfortable with their frequent visits.
A private memorial to be held at a later date.
4 Comments
Barbara Lesniewski
January 2, 2025 at 3:49 pm - Reply
Her smile and tapping and dancing feet are what I’ll always remember.
Hold dear to those sweet memories.
Rick and Pam Kozeniecki
January 2, 2025 at 5:34 pm - Reply
She always seemed to be happy. I remember her always smiling. Rick said she was a good cook. So sorry for you loss
My deep condolences with her passing. I was a neighbor and friend for many years. She always played supervisor to Daniel’s household projects to make sure they lived up to her high standards.
Her kind smile and wave is deeply missed in our neighborhood
Dr. CarrieWeddke
January 17, 2025 at 11:26 am - Reply
We knew Mrs. Bembenek’s husband, Daniel (Danny) and his deceased brother, Wally and our whole family and children loved them both dearly. They did some excellent repajr work in our home that still stands! Our son learned a lot from them in his construction business that he speaks highly of!
Danny spoke so lovingly of his wife, and we occasionally spoke on the phone with her looking for Danny. Our hearts go out to Danny and his family. Now Mrs. Bembenek is in the arms of the Lord for everlasting peace. God bless you all🙏🏾
The Clifford, Marcus, and Charlie Weddle Families
Her smile and tapping and dancing feet are what I’ll always remember.
Hold dear to those sweet memories.
She always seemed to be happy. I remember her always smiling. Rick said she was a good cook. So sorry for you loss
My deep condolences with her passing. I was a neighbor and friend for many years. She always played supervisor to Daniel’s household projects to make sure they lived up to her high standards.
Her kind smile and wave is deeply missed in our neighborhood
We knew Mrs. Bembenek’s husband, Daniel (Danny) and his deceased brother, Wally and our whole family and children loved them both dearly. They did some excellent repajr work in our home that still stands! Our son learned a lot from them in his construction business that he speaks highly of!
Danny spoke so lovingly of his wife, and we occasionally spoke on the phone with her looking for Danny. Our hearts go out to Danny and his family. Now Mrs. Bembenek is in the arms of the Lord for everlasting peace. God bless you all🙏🏾
The Clifford, Marcus, and Charlie Weddle Families