Lorraine A Benson

Lorraine A. Benson, 90, of Onalaska and formerly of Peterson, Minnesota, died on Friday, January 18, 2013 at the Bethany-Riverside Nursing Facility. She was born on May 19, 1922 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Emil and Alpha (Hanson) Johnson.

Lorraine served proudly in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following the war, she attended the University of Minnesota. After graduating, she taught English in Peterson, Minn., where she met Teman Benson. They were married in 1949, and raised their three children in Peterson. Over the years, Lorraine taught in the Peterson, Rushford, Houston and Preston school districts. In retirement, Lorraine moved to La Crosse and was an active volunteer at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.

Lorraine loved books, theater and travel. She was a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother. She had a warm heart, open mind and adventurous spirit, and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by two daughters Anne Benson (Jim Dixon) of St. Paul, Minnesota and Jane (Jim) McLoughlin of Brighton, England, one son, Mark (Peggy) Benson of Holmen, eight grandchildren Will Dixon, Sean McLoughlin, Hannah McLoughlin, Andrew Benson, Tony (Jesse) Benson, Jordan (Michelle) Benson, Joe Benson and Erik Benson, four great grandchildren, one sister Marilyn Boe of Prior Lake, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her husband Teman Benson and infant twins Mary & Joseph.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Grace Lutheran Church, Peterson, Minnesota. Pastors Ron and Janet Warnes will officiate. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, Onalaska Chapel, on Tuesday from 4-6 PM and again at the church on Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Jims Grocery Bag Fund of the La Crosse Community Foundation; 300 2thndth St. No., La Crosse, WI 54601. The family would like to thank the staff of Bethany-Riverside for their attentive and compassionate care.