Marilyn Benson, 86, of Algona, died Thursday at her home.
A funeral service will be held 2:30 PM Sunday at Algona First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Steve Nofel officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Algona. Her family will greet friends at the church from 1:00 PM until time of service. Social distancing practices will followed and masks are required. The funeral and graveside service will be live streamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services' Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Heartland in memory of Marilyn.
Marilyn Louise Benson was born September 22, 1934, in Algona, daughter of John and Helen (Batt) Simpson. She attended school at St. Benedict Catholic through the 8th grade graduating from Algona High School in 1952. On October 15, 1954, she was married to Charles L. Benson in Algona.
Marilyn and Charles raised their four children near Algona. She worked as a legal secretary for local attorneys for many years. Marilyn was an avid sports fan especially enjoying wrestling and baseball. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards and cribbage, and watching birds on her many feeders. Most of all, Marilyn loved being surrounded by her family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marilyn was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona.
Marilyn Benson died Thursday, January 7, 2021 at her home under the care of Hospice of the Heartland. She was 86.
She is survived by two sons Kevin (Kim) Benson of Whittemore and Steve (Jean) Benson of Ankeny; a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Benson of Crystal, MN; a son-in-law, Terry Gaedke of Algona; and seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Ben (Riley) Benson of Omaha, NE and their son Bohden, Chad (Heidi) Benson of Bondurant and their daughters Hallie and Sadie, Nathan (Rebecca) Benson of Pierre, SD, Brittany (Todd) Blythe of Polk City and their children, Jace and Kaylin, Brock (Abbey) Benson of Glenwood and their daughter Amy, Logan Gaedke of Ames, and Liana (Sgt. Troy "Jake") Parsons of Ft. Carson, CO and their children Odessa and Maddox.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Charles on November 7, 2006; her daughter, Debra Gaedke on April 29, 1998; and her son, Brett on January 7, 2011.
Tributes
Linda Muller Froehlich wrote on Jan 10, 2021:
"I worked with Marilyn in the law office and thought the world of her. She was always so kind and fun to be around. She was so so proud of her kids and that love was wonderful to witness. It?s funny how she has been coming up in my thoughts lately as we haven?t seen each other in years. Sending my sincerest sympathies and prayers to all her family. She was a great lady! "
Molly MacDonald wrote on Jan 8, 2021:
"Marilyn worked with Bing in the law office for many years, and he thought the world of her. My prayers are with the family."
Janet Allen (Sampson) wrote on Jan 8, 2021:
"From Janet Allen (Sampson).
Loved the many cribbage games played whenever our family traveled to Iowa to visit the farm. She always had a smile. She is now smiling at Jesus. "
Mark J.VonBank wrote on Jan 8, 2021:
"my heartfelt prayers to the Benson families on their loss. Marilyn has joined her husband Charles in that graceful dance in heaven and Debra and Brett -her children are there to reunite with their parents once again. Rest in Peace Marilyn and enjoy the wonderful presence of Jesus. You will be missed but never forgotten as memories of you will always remain in our hearts, God proved to us that he only takes the BEST. With Heartfelt Love And Prayers, Mark J. VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota-[formerly of Algona, Iowa.]"
Al & Gail Batt wrote on Jan 8, 2021:
"This is the only time Cousin Marilyn hasn?t made us smile. We miss her already. To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is to never die. You are all nestled gently in our thoughts and prayers."
Barb Schlievert Mack wrote on Jan 8, 2021:
"We are so sorry to hear of Marilyn. Always cherish the many beautiful memories you have. God Bless "