Elisabeth (Erzsebet) Benko

Elisabeth (Erzsébet) Benko June 20, 1931 – October 16, 2025 Elisabeth was born on June 20, 1931, in the southwestern plains of Hungary—an area often called the breadbasket of Central Europe. Her early years were spent on a family farm, where she learned the values of hard work and resilience. She began first grade in a oneroom schoolhouse a few miles away and later continued her education in the city under the care of her aunt. 

Throughout her schooling, faith was woven into daily life. Until the end of World War II, when the communist regime took power, religious education was part of the public school curriculum. Twice a week youth ministers taught students by denomination, and every Sunday the children assembled at school and were led to church for youth services. 

After completing high school and passing the state examination, Elisabeth became a secretary at a construction company. In December 1950, she met Janos Benko at the home of a mutual friend. After a long-distance courtship, they married in September 1951. 

In 1956, during the Hungarian Revolution sparked by university students’ demand for freedom from Soviet control, Elisabeth and Janos took the opportunity to flee the country. After a difficult journey, they found refuge in Teaneck, New Jersey, under the sponsorship of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Their three children—Agnes, William, and Alex—were born in the United States. 

In 1960 the family moved to Denver, Colorado, where Janos worked at Gates Rubber Company until retirement. Elisabeth dedicated 15 years to raising her children at home before pursuing further education at Emily Griffith Opportunity School, where she studied data entry and later computer programming. She went on to work as a programmer at a small data processing company until her retirement. 

Elisabeth and Janos joined Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in the early 1970s, where faith remained a cornerstone of their family life. 

After her husband’s passing, Elisabeth lived with her daughter Agnes until Agnes also preceded her in death. For the final two years of her life, she lived with her grandson Clifton, his wife, and their three daughters. She shared countless stories from her youth, helped teach them Hungarian, and delighted in their company and homemade treats. 

Elisabeth was known for her love of gardening, sewing, reading, and storytelling. She carried her faith and Hungarian heritage with quiet strength and unwavering grace. 

She is survived by her sons William and Alex Benko, seven grandchildren, and eight greatgrandchildren. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. 

A memorial service will be held at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denver on November 23, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains Refugee & Asylee Programs. Elisabeth and Janos were welcomed to the United States as refugees through the sponsorship of a Lutheran church—a gift that changed the course of their lives. Supporting this cause honors the legacy of that welcome and Elisabeth’s enduring gratitude