Cari Benko

Cari Virginia Benko, 34, of Vicksburg, MI, formerly of Mt. Olive, IL, passed away Monday, May 13, 2019 after a year long battle with cancer.

She was born June 5, 1984 in Staunton, IL, a daughter of Mary Ann Taylor Hagerman and the late Oscar Virgil Hagerman of Mt. Olive, IL. She married Andrew James Benko on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at St. James Cathedral in Lakewood, OH.

Cari graduated from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Administration along with earning her Private and Commercial Pilot licenses, as well as an Instrument Rating. She was a homemaker, homeschool teacher and chestnut farm operator. She enjoyed spending time with her three children, cooking, gardening, entomology and being outdoors. She was a member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Vicksburg, MI.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Becker and Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive,IL. Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday, May 20, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Staunton, IL by Fr. George Radosevich.

Burial will be in Mt. Olive City Cemetery, Mt. Olive, IL. Pallbearers are; brothers-in-law Nate Monke, Randy Minton, Keith Benko and Thomas Benko; uncle Mike Taylor and cousin Paul Taylor. Honorary pallbearers; son Evan Benko and daughters Terra and Althea Benko.

Lunch will be served by St. Michael’s Women’s Council.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to her children through Becker and Son Funeral Home.

Survivors include her husband Andrew and children Evan, Terra and Althea Benko of Vicksburg, MI. Sisters Jennifer Monke (husband Nate and son Oliver) of Mt. Olive, IL and Erica Minton (husband Randy) of Spokane Valley, WA.

She was preceded in death by her father, Oscar Virgil Hagerman and niece Anna Dolores Monke.

Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.beckerandson.com. Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.