Lois Benson

Lois Benson

Lois Benson, 82, of Stephen, MN, passed away peacefully at St. Francis Medical Center in Breckenridge, MN, on Thursday, December 24, 2009, with family at her side.

Lois Mae Merdink was born on September 30, 1927, to Ray and Hannah (Berg) Merdink at their farm in Donnelly Township. She attended the Donnelly Consolidated School and graduated from Stephen High School in 1945. She went on to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. On August 24, 1948, she married Chauncey Benson of Stephen in the Presbyterian Church in Stephen and they made Stephen their home their entire lives. Chauncey passed away December 5, 1996. She worked locally at a variety of jobs including Arnold Johnson’s store, the cafe, Gonsorowski’s Locker Plant and Arctic Cat in Karlstad, MN.

Lois was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church where she was a lifetime member. She was in the choir for many years and an active member of WELCA. She belonged to the quilting group and enjoyed making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. She had been a member of the Order of Eastern Star for many years and took her turn as Worthy Matron. She was a volunteer at the Senior Center and enjoyed playing bingo there and visiting. Lois could be counted on to give rides to church, to appointments, and errands around town to those who needed assistance. Her interests included sewing, needlework, crocheting, watercolor painting, gardening, reading, scrabble, dominoes and music. She enjoyed cooking and baking and sharing with others. She was happiest around family and friends.

Lois is survived by her daughter Cindy (Mark) Stenson, Lidgerwood, ND; two grandsons Jesse (Hannah) Stenson and Matthew (Lindsey) Stenson, Lidgerwood, ND; two great-grandchildren Jace and Tatum; two sisters Nona (Robert) Griggs, Torrance, CA and Bonnie Elseth, Prior Lake, MN; two sisters-in-law Darlyne Benson and Beverly Benson, Stephen; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Chauncey, a sister Joyce and three brothers Allan, William and Bert.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in First Lutheran Church at Stephen.

Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior to services on Saturday.

The Austin Funeral Home of Stephen is in charge of arrangements.

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