Mary Benike

Mary Agnes (Tlougan) Benike passed away January 17, 2025 at the age of 81. She was born October 1, 1943 in Red Wing, MN to Raymond Anthony and Marian Lucille (Huneke) Tlougan. She grew up in Lake City and Preston MN with her 3 older stepsisters - Rose, Eleanor & Leona, 2 sisters - Elizabeth (Betty) & Rae Ann and 1 brother Allan. She graduated from Preston High School in 1961. She married Garry D. Greenwood on October 14, 1961. Together they had 3 children, Gail, Gena & Mark. They later divorced. She married Robert (Butch) Benike April 13, 1968. They had 2 sons, Robert (Bobbie) Jr. and Bradley. 

Mary worked as a waitress, licensed daycare provider, a physical therapist aide at St. Mary’s Domitilla, a clerk at several businesses, a data entry personnel at the History Center in Rochester, and an office clerk at A&A mini storage. She was also co-owner of B & M Bait and Tackle from 1989-2001. Mary was very interested in genealogy and was active in the local club and the Olmsted Co. History Center. She was also President, Vice-President and Secretary of the Olmsted County Genealogical Society and involved with rehabbing the Wells Creek Cemetery in Hay Creek, MN.

Her favorite pastime was reading. She also loved watching Football and NASCAR. Her greatest love was her family. 

Survivors include her children Gail Greenwood (Hermanson) of Rochester, Gena (Mike) Heins of Rochester, Bradley Benike of Rochester. Sister Rae Ann (Tlougan) Denker of Stewartville, Her grandchildren, Jessica (Chris) Halverson, Jennifer (Matt) Ellingson, Jean Sobeck, Jerrica Hermanson, Serena (Charles) Byram, Ryan Heins, Kyle (Stephanie) Heins, James (Sara) Greenwood, Sara (Joey) Simser, Elizabeth (Peter) Riley, Cory Greenwood, Christopher Greenwood. Great Grandchildren, Alex (Emily), Katelynn, Sam, Brennen, Drew, Charlotte, Callie, Amara, Elijah, Emma, Theodore, Graham, Quinn, and Maci. And many nieces and nephews and other loved ones. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Marian, her husband, Robert (Butch), sons Mark Greenwood and Robert (Bobbie) Benike Jr., 4 sisters Leona Magneson, Eleanor Bultman, Rose Moen and Betty Halvorsen, brother Allan Tlougan, Grandson Joshua Hermanson (Greenwood).

A celebration of her life will take place at Maxon Family Cremation & Life Celebrations 1624 37th Street NW Rochester, MN. Visitation Thursday January 30, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Services will be Friday January 31, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation 1 hour prior. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery next to her husband and sons at a later date.