Daniel ‘Dano’ Joseph Benishek

Dan was born April 20th, 1952, in Iron River. From the time he was five years old, he and his younger brother were raised by his mother, Helen Benishek, after his father, Joseph Benishek died in a mining accident.

Dan went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and proceeded to acquire his medical degree from Wayne State University. He then returned home to the U.P. to practice medicine.

Following a successful career as a surgeon, Dan went on to serve 3 consecutive terms representing Northern Michigan in Congress.

In addition to his professional accolades, Dan was a licensed pilot, certified scuba diver, accomplished sailor, and played a mean game of cribbage. Nothing would elicit his infectious laughter quite like a skunking of his friends and family.

Dan loved being around people, and he always had room for more at his table. He also originated many spoken “Dano-isms”. Some of his most famous catchphrases include: “8 sweet ones”, “a ‘doz’ does it”, “if-dog-rabbit”, “one thin mint”, “zippidy doo dah”, and “ooooooooh”.

Dan enjoyed traveling the world with his wife, making lasting memories along the way, and positively impacting anyone lucky enough to cross paths with him. Upon retirement his greatest joy was spending quality time with his family, grandkids, friends, and those that meant the world to him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his children, Joseph Benishek (Christine Mattila) of Marquette, Kirby (Dean) Emerson of Wausau, Mick Grunlund of Florida, Adrienne (Neil) Black of Ohio, and Todd Benishek of Iron River; his grandchildren, Blaiden and Vayda Emerson and Allison, Frank, and Archie Black; a brother, Tim (Tammi) Benishek of Madison; his mother-in-law, Zella Flaminio of Iron Mountain, sisters-in-law, Sandy (Doug) Delie of Green Bay and Mary Flaminio of Milwaukee; numerous extended family members and special longtime friend, Willie Winton of Iron Mountain.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Joseph Benishek, and his father-in-law, Don “Flip” Flaminio.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00pm, on Saturday, October 23rd, at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Iron Mountain. Fr. Janusz Romanek will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. There will be an after party at Solberg’s Greenleaf Bar & Grill, 1340 Carpenter Ave.

Dan was a strong advocate for Veteran’s affairs. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to U.P. Honor Flight or at Upperpeninsulahonorflight.org.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Daniel Benishek online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home, of Iron Mountain, with the arrangements.