Josephine Rita (Bennington) Janesky

Josephine Rita Janesky (Bennington), aged 90, of Hot Springs Village, AR, passed away on January 29, 2026.

Born on April 5, 1935 in Franklin, WI, Manitowoc County to Cecil and Ida Bennington (Weber).

Josie graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, WI. On July 3, 1954, Josie Bennington was married to John Janesky. After time in Spokane, WA and Milwaukee, WI, Josie and John settled in Racine, WI where they raised their three daughters, Julie, Joanne, and Jane.

When Josie’s children were young, she enjoyed volunteering with the Racine Theatre Guild. As the children got older, she worked at the YWCA and eventually became the director of the fitness center. One of her proudest moments was when she was given the opportunity to train a group of firefighters for their exam where they all passed with flying colors. Josie started a new career selling real estate where she met new people and thrived in that role. When Josie and John retired to Hot Springs Village, AR, she became more involved with the game of golf and was introduced to yoga, which she continued to do until her eighties. Going for boat rides, watching the sun set, and enjoying friends and family were her other loves.

Josie is survived by her husband, John, her daughters Julie Welfel (Tom) and Jane Janesky (Tom Vickerman), grandchildren, Lee, Beau, Rita, Miranda, Marina and Vinnie, great grandchildren Dylan, Hudson, Elliott, Graham, Lucy and Logan.

Josie is preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses Florence Zipperer (Joseph), Robert Bennington (Elsie), Ella Kirby (Norb), Mary Kopidlansky (Joseph), Bill Bennington (Elaine), Richard Bennington, Marty Bennington (Marcy), Tommy Bennington (Rosie), Annie Reindl (Hugh “Itchy”), wonderful daughter Joanne Tiano.

The next time you see a sunset, keep Josie in your thoughts and send her a smile.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com