Benny P. Morelli, 90 years old, of Union Grove, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 5, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on April 6, 1933, in his home in Paris Township, WI. He was the son of the late Eugene and Julia (Vena) Morelli.
On January 28, 1956, he was united in marriage to Marlene Schattner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Benny was employed by AMC/Chrysler until his retirement in 1989. After his retirement he worked for CPI as a delivery driver and enjoyed his interactions with the farmers when making deliveries. He also spent many years working on the family farm.
He was a member of the UAW Local 72, and a lifetime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where he served as a lay minister and usher for many years.
Benny was a collector of toy tractors. He enjoyed working in his workshop, listening and dancing to Polka music; and playing the game “India” with his wife and friends.
Benny truly loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them at the many get-togethers through the years. He always opened his home with genuine hospitality.
He will be remembered as a kind, good-hearted man, willing to help others.
He is survived by his wife of over 67 years, Marlene Morelli; his four children, Mary Morelli, Dolores Morelli, Debbie (Allen) Dawson, and Benjie Morelli, all of Union Grove, WI; one granddaughter, Cassandra Dawson; two great-grandchildren, Ensley and Elliana Davel; and siblings, Eva Schattner and Ralph Morelli, Sr.; sister-in-law, Charlotte Bruinsma and brother-in-law, Thomas (Denise) Barker.
Benny was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Catherine Morelli; sister-in-law, Rose Barker; brothers-in-law, Earl Bruinsma and William Schattner, Jr.; and his father and mothers-in-law, William Schattner Sr., Mary Schattner, and Sally Schattner.
The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Durbin, Dr. Michael Mullane and Dr. Pankaj Dhingra, along with Hospice Alliance and all the family and friends who offered their support and prayers during this difficult time. A special thanks to his nieces, Cyndi Braun and Sandi Pfeffer for help with his care and nephew Ralph Morelli, Jr. and dear friend Brenda Fitch for their help and companionship.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1501 172nd Ave, Union Grove, WI on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.
