WATHENA, KS - Geraldine “Jerry” (Deitrickson) Benitz, 91, of St. Joseph, Missouri died Monday morning, November 21, 2016. 

Jerry was born on April 7, 1925 in Troy, Kansas to Robert and Caroline (Kiehnhoff) Deitrickson. She grew up in Troy and worked at Methodist Hospital in St. Joseph for over 40 years as the secretary to the Executive Director. 

She married Kenneth Benitz on June 13, 1948 in Wathena. He preceded her in death on September 4, 1999. Jerry was also preceded by a daughter, Jill Obrigawitch, grandson, Matthew Obrigawitch, 2 sisters; Kathleen Deitrickson and Eunice Chapple. 

Jerry is survived by her daughter, Donna Brewer (Tom) of Shawnee, Kansas 5 grandchildren; Kelly (Jenny), Patrick (Jenny), Bailey, Riley (Caitlin) Brewer and Ben Obrigawitch; 
3 great-grandchildren; Annabelle, James, Loren Brewer; 
Sister, Ruth DeMoney of Greeley, Colorado; 
Sisters-in-law; Glee (Russell) Pettijohn, Bertie Lange, Anne Benitz; 
Numerous nieces and nephews. 

FUNERAL: Saturday, November 26, 2016 – 11:00 A.M. 
At: St. Paul Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, Missouri; 
Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery in Troy, Kansas. 
Visitation: family will receive friends Friday afternoon 3-5 at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas and also 1 hour prior to the funeral at the church from 10 AM until service time Saturday. 
Memorials: In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials to Living Community of St. Joseph Foundation, American Bible Society, or KLOVE radio station.