Jean K. Benike

Jean Benike, 77, of Enemy Swim Lake, passed away with her beloved family at her side, Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen.

Private funeral services will be held. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery, Waubay.

Public visitation will be 2-4pm, closing with a 4pm prayer service, Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Fiksdal Funeral Service.

Jean Kay Oldendorf was born on February 3, 1949, in Winona, MN to Harold and Betty Oldendorf. She was baptized at Hart Lutheran and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Her faith remained an important part of her life. Jean attended country school in Hart before the family moved to Pickwick, MN in 1962 and loved to tell tales of her adventures in the one-room schoolhouse. She completed her education at Winona High School, graduating in 1967.

After graduation, Jean worked as a flexowriter operator at Watkins in Winona. She later met David “Dave” Benike, and they were married on November 15, 1969, in Wilson, MN. They made their home in Winona where they welcomed three children, Dana, Devlin, and Darren. In 1975, the family moved to a farm near Raymond, SD and completed their family with three more children, Jenelle, Jason and Jessica.

After their family home on the farm was lost in a fire in 1983, Jean and Dave purchased Sandy Beach Resort on Enemy Swim Lake. Jean was known for her strong work ethic and dedication to her family and the resort. Following Dave’s death in 2000, she continued operating the resort with the help of her special friend Dennis until her passing.

Jean found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including gardening, raising chickens, baking, preparing generous meals for her family, and attending her grandchildren’s events. Her faith, hardworking spirit, and care for those she loved were central to her life.

Jean will be forever loved and greatly missed by her six children: Dana Benike of Waubay, South Dakota; Devlin (Vicki) Benike of Waubay; Darren (Susie) Benike of Castlewood, South Dakota; Jenelle (Jon) Heller of Willmar, Minnesota; Jason (Courtney) Benike of Webster, South Dakota; and Jessica (Garitt) Irey of Edgeley, North Dakota; her 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and special friend Dennis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Betty; her husband, David; and her siblings, Judy and Jerry.