In Memory
Carol Ann (Lorincz) Benninghoff
Jan 4, 1942 — Oct 13, 2026
Newton, KS--Carol Ann Benninghoff, of Newton, Kansas, passed away on October 13, 2026, at the age of 84.
Carol was born January 4, 1942, in South Bend, Indiana, to Frank and Mabel Lorincz. Her maternal grandparents were Julius and Anna Boberg, and her paternal grandparents were Geza and Elizabeth Lorincz. Carol was the eldest of two daughters, followed by her younger sister, Sandy. Carol's family was of Swedish and Hungarian heritage, and she carried great pride in those roots throughout her life.
Carol graduated early from Riley High School in South Bend in 1959 and graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1962. On September 8, 1962, Carol married Ron Benninghoff at Ridgedale Presbyterian Church in South Bend, Indiana. Together they had three children, Lisa, Dan, and Joel.
Years later, as a single mother of three, Carol applied to the School of Anesthesia for Nurses at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS. Carol’s path to becoming a Nurse Anesthetist reflected the persistence that characterized so much of her life. She applied to the program three times before finally being accepted in the Fall of 1978. She obtained her Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) license in 1980, and she remained actively licensed until 2012.
Carol spent much of her career at Mid-Continent Anesthesiology, working primarily in obstetrics at Wesley Hospital and the Birth Care Center. Throughout the years, many patients have shared how much Carol helped them through their deliveries. With impressive skill and great compassion, she cared for patients during one of the most vulnerable and profound experiences of their lives, always honoring the trust they placed in her.
While Carol took great pride in her career and the many lives she touched through her work, her greatest joy came from the people she loved and the many interests and traditions she shared with them. Above all, Carol treasured her family and friends.
To her grandchildren and many others, Carol was affectionately known as “Mimi”. She found joy in the people and simple pleasures that filled her life. Carol was generous with both her time and her possessions and was always willing to share what she had with others. She was a curator of keepsakes, photographs, and family treasures. A visit to Mimi’s house was sure to produce a long-forgotten piece of family history that she knew belonged with you.
For more than 50 years, Carol was a member of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. Trinity was an important part of Carol’s life and faith, which was deeply rooted in her childhood and lovingly nurtured by her parents.
Among many hobbies and interests, Carol enjoyed fishing, sewing and quilting, and cooking for family and friends. Her dip-in eggs and breakfast casserole were family favorites, and she never missed an opportunity to send you home with a fresh loaf of banana bread. She was a talented quilter, turning many old T-shirts into treasured blankets. Carol loved Christmas. Decorating the tree was serious business. Carol even had a special fishing-themed Christmas tree in memory of her father.
Fishing held a particularly special place in Carol’s heart. According to Carol, the pond next to her house was home to a massive and somewhat legendary fish she named “Splash.” The legend of Splash grew large enough that a story was even written about him. Carol always encouraged her children and grandchildren to head down to the pond, cast a line, and see if they could finally catch the elusive fish.
Carol could often be found cheering on her favorite sports teams. She loved KU basketball and the Kansas City Royals. She was an avid baseball fan and always watched or attended the College World Series. Her favorite athletes were undoubtedly those in her own family. Just as she had done for her children when they were growing up, Carol made it a point to show up for her grandchildren’s sports and activities, faithfully supporting them from the sidelines.
Carol also loved to travel, whether visiting family in Indiana, attending her grandchildren’s activities and sporting events, or exploring favorite destinations such as San Diego and San Francisco for professional conferences. Carol traveled to Sweden and Hungary, where she had the opportunity to visit her grandmother's hometown, a particularly meaningful trip, given Carol's lifelong pride in her heritage.
Carol was a breast cancer survivor. Following her diagnosis in December 1995, she was in remission by early 1996. She regularly participated in Race for the Cure and often reached out to other individuals facing cancer, sharing books, encouragement, and words of wisdom from her own experience. She also regularly donated blood through the American Red Cross.
Carol’s generosity extended well beyond her immediate family. Her door was always open, and she welcomed her children’s friends into her home as though they were her own. Her friendships reflected that same openness. Over the years, Carol was surrounded by many circles of friends, including her coffee group, bridge group, quilting friends, fellow Race for the Cure survivors, and many nursing colleagues and coworkers. She continued returning to South Bend for nursing school reunions and maintained friendships and connections that spanned decades.
Carol’s life was defined not only by what she accomplished, but by how generously she loved. Though she will be deeply missed, Carol’s legacy will live on in the people she loved, the traditions she created, and the generosity and compassion she inspired in others.
Carol is survived by her children, Lisa Kemph and her husband, Bill; Dan Benninghoff and his wife, Janelle; Joel Benninghoff and his wife, Kim; her sister, Sandy Deavers; nine grandchildren: Lauren (Tim) Wealand, Will (Staci) Kemph, Jessica (Austin) Yeager, Jack (Carley) Benninghoff, Tyler (Eileen) Benninghoff, Thomas Benninghoff, Jake (Caitlin) Benninghoff, Drew Benninghoff, and Kate Benninghoff; thirteen great-grandchildren: Josie, Logan, Lane, Chrissy, Luke, Arley, Hudson, Evelyn, Harry, Max, Banks, Ace, and Cash. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mabel Lorincz, and brother-in-law, Bob Deavers.
A visitation will be held at Petersen Family Funeral Home on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. A private graveside service and interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery on Saturday, October 24th with Pastor John Hull presiding. The family welcomes friends and loved ones to gather for a luncheon at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church on Saturday October 24th from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Petersen Family Funeral Home
10/18/2026 djb
https://www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/carol-benninghoff
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