Bennie Arthur Britsch

Bennie Arthur Britsch passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 89. He died peacefully in his home of over 46 years in Tucson, AZ. He was born February 2, 1936, in Rugby, ND to the late Arthur and Juanita Britsch. Bennie grew up on a farm near Leeds, ND, without electricity and where he would ride a sleigh to school in the snow.

Bennie was drafted into the Army at age 18 and spent time in Missouri and Texas. After the Army, Bennie drove to Northern CA, seeking warm weather, and began working for the telephone company, a career that lasted him 38 years (counted as 39 years since he had over a year of sick days left). He landed in Redwood City where he met his future wife, Karen Skoge, who had ventured to Northern CA from Mankato, MN with friends for a nursing job. Bennie and Karen were married September 17, 1966, in Great Falls, MT and were together until her death in 2012.

Bennie and Karen’s son Ken was born while they lived in Redwood City, but they moved to Jamestown, ND soon after to be closer to both families. Their daughter Brenda was born after they moved to Jamestown. In 1978, tired of the cold weather, Bennie requested and received a job transfer to Tucson, AZ. He received the call while on a telephone pole in blizzard conditions and did not hesitate to accept. Bennie and Karen fell in love with Tucson and called it home for the rest of their lives.

Bennie was above all a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He worked hard to support his family and, whenever he was not working, he spent time caring for and having fun with them. He was always there for his kids throughout his life, no matter what, and was loving and supportive every step of the way. Bennie was an active member of his church in Tucson and could often be found helping out with projects for the church and other members of the congregation.

Bennie retired from the phone company in 1995. He and Karen traveled often, especially to visit their children and eventually their grandchildren, and greatly enjoyed a few trips to Hawaii with friends and family. Bennie was always working on projects around the house and the yard. He loved animals and was very devoted to his pet dogs and cats throughout the years, including taking care of stray cats that found their way to his house, feeding birds daily in his yard, and keeping water in front of his house for dogs walking by.

Bennie developed many strong friendships at each stage of his life, from his childhood in ND to his working years in CA, ND, and AZ, and in his retirement. He was kind, generous, smart, funny, and could tell a story better than anyone (and he had great stories!). He loved people and people loved him. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Bennie was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Karen Marie Britsch (and brothers-in-law Howard Thompson and Charles Mazurek). He is survived by his son Ken (Julie) of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter Brenda (Aaron) of Portland, OR, and grandchildren Nathan, Luke, and Mikayla Britsch and Rebekah and Annika Zahler. Bennie is also survived by his sister Bonnie Thompson of Devil’s Lake, ND, sisters-in-law Sue Mazurek, Annell Weissenbuehler (Matthew), Lauri Skoge Bruse (Craig), and brother-in-law Rod Skoge (Mary Kay), and many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. Bennie is also survived by his partner Margaret Rose, her family, and his cherished cat Sweet Pea.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 19th at 2 p.m. at New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ. A reception will follow. All are welcome.