Julie Anne Benkert

Julie Anne Benkert of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, May 30, 2022, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She was 70 years old. Julie Anne VanTol was born on January 1, 1952, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late Bernard and Jeanne (Frank) VanTol. She was a 1970 graduate of T.L. Handy High School. Following graduation, Julie briefly attended college to study Nursing. She met the love of her life, Ronald "Ron" Francis Benkert, while attending a dance at a local hall in Saginaw. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on November 24, 1973; he survives her. Over the years, Julie held various jobs, but the role of her lifetime was to be a loving wife and devoted mother. She and Ron were proud owners and operators of their own farm. Julie was a longtime and faithful member of Community of Christ Church where she donated countless hours toward the choir, preparing funeral dinners and potlucks, and planning worship services. She was a phenomenal cook and an exceptional baker. Julie knew the secret ingredient required to make everything extraordinary, was love. She enjoyed sewing, making porcelain dolls, canning, and shopping. Julie was also an avid reader. Above all, she treasured and cherished the time she was able to spend with her family. She left her indelible mark on this world through her kind and caring heart, spiritual and prayerful soul, ability to talk with all people and give advice, and for truly living a remarkable life.

Surviving are her husband of 48 years, Ronald F. Benkert of Saginaw; two sons and their spouses: Aaron (Lisa) Benkert of Burt; Jason (Amy) Benkert of Saginaw; four grandchildren: Aaron Benkert II and his girlfriend, Kaylee, of Bridgeport; Katelyn Benkert and her boyfriend, Zack, of Burt; Alexandria Benkert of Saginaw; Garrett Benkert of Saginaw; two brothers and one sister: Steven (Debra) VanTol of Midland; Cathy (Gerald) Martin of Bay City; Jonathan (Sandy) VanTol of Bay City. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Community of Christ Church, 300 N. Center Rd. Elder Aaron Benkert will officiate. Honoring Julie's wishes cremation will follow the service. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road on Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Community of Christ Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.