Luana J. Stefanski (nee Benedict)


Luana J. Stefanski (nee Benedict) of Waukesha passed away Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, at Waukesha Springs, where she had been residing the last seven years.

She was born in Traverse City, Mich., a daughter of the late Henry and Vera M. (Hunsicker) Benedict. Luana was married to Paul Stefanski Sr. and together they raised six children. She loved her work as a nurse’s aide at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, where she was able to share her caring nature with people. In earlier years, Luana enjoyed traveling and had visited Hawaii and England. She was an avid reader and enjoyed word puzzles. She will be missed dearly.

Luana is survived by her children, Carol Taylor of Glenburnie, Md., Dee (Walter) Plochocki of Mukwonago, Paul (Dottie) Stefanski Jr. of Waukesha, Richard (Juanita) Stefanski of Mascoutah, Ill., John (Michelle) Stefanski of Sullivan and Jane (Colin) Kelley of Waukesha. She will also be remembered by her 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; brother, Ken Benedict of Waukesha; sisters, Beverly (Don) Juras of Florida and Elaine (Terry) Barrett of Exton, Pa.; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Paul Sr.; her sister, Marion Mitchelly; her brothers, Fred and Henry Benedict; and her son-inlaw, Tom Taylor.

Visitation for Luana will be held from 4 p.m. until the 7 p.m. funeral service Thursday, Aug. 12, at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha. The Rev. Kathy Boadwine will officiate. Interment will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, in Oak Ridge Cemetery, East Troy.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff of Waukesha Springs for their devoted care to Luana over the last seven years.

Memorials are appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter, 620 S. 76th St., Suite 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family. For further information, please call 542-6609, or for directions, an online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit www.waukeshasfuneralhome.com.