Mary Hanson Benson 1865-1917

BENSON, HANSON, OLSON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/11/2010 at 23:54:21

Mrs. Benson Called
Death Relieved Her Suffering Yesterday – Funeral Services Friday Afternoon

Sometimes in the history of humanity the Death messenger comes to one who has bravely fought the battles of life. Sometimes the thought of Death holds no terror after a life spent in the service of others, a life crowned with the knowledge that the work is about done and the battle of life has been well fought. We truly believe this to be the case of Mrs. Mary Benson, who died at her home on north Ninth street yesterday morning. Surely no one could be prepared to answer the final summons better than she, whose life has been an inspiration to all who know her, a life that has left the world better than she found it, a life dedicated to the serving of others. Suffering from an incurable disease, patiently bearing the burden, death must have been a relief as the tired eyes closed in their last sleep. And all who know this true, Christian woman, mourn the loss of a friend and neighbor who held the respect and esteem of everyone. She was one of those big-hearted, motherly women, whom it is a pleasure to meet and know. All through the suffering she had to experience, she never offered a word of protest, and her only regret in leaving this world was the thought of her children left behind, who will only realize the preciousness of her love now that she is gone. And these children had fought long and earnestly to save the life which meant so much to them, a fight never given up until the end came.

Mrs. Mary [Hanson] Benson was born April 5th, 1865, in Norway, being at the time of her death past 52 years of age. She was married to Fred Benson October 29th, 1885, and to this union three children were born all of whom survive both parents. Mr. Benson died some two years ago. The children are Miss Bertha, Henry and John, all of this city. Besides her parents and a brother in Norway and a sister, Mrs. C. C. Olson, of this city, are left to mourn their loss. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. Brodsen, of Minneapolis, will be held from the home Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be made in the Oak Hill cemetery.

Mrs. Benson was a pioneer of this city, having come her about forty years ago. She had a host of friends over the county who will join us in extending sincerest sympathy to the loved ones in the loss of a mother of whom the city of Estherville was proud. To know her was to love her and her loss is felt in many homes besides her own. That is the highest tribute we can pay to the memory of her who has gone ahead to prepare a place for her loved ones. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, October 10, 1917)

Mrs. Fred Benson, an old time resident of this city passed away at her home on North Ninth street Tuesday morning. She has been in failing health for some time. Her daughter, Miss Bertha, left her duties in the Shadle store over a month ago that she might attend to the wants of her mother. She took her to a hospital at Nevada, and then finding there was no assistance to be had there brought her home. Everything possible has been done that could be in her last days. The funeral services will be held on Thursday. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, October 10, 1917)