Helga (Benson) IVERSON

BENSON, IVERSON, GROCHOWICZ, JOHNSTON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/19/2011 at 15:32:48

Helga Iverson

December 5, 1905 -- January 9, 2006

Mom was born in Brobe, Sweden, coming to this country at the young age of 15 months. She was met in the Lord’s house by our Dad, Clarence, her parents Anton and Anna Benson, brothers Hilding, Harry, Harold, Gunnar, Benny and Arthur, sisters Agnes and Alyce, son-in-law Peter Grochowicz, grandson Monte Iverson and step-grandsons Steven and Matthew Grochowicz. She is survived by son James Iverson (Donna) of Huntington Beach, CA, daughters Clarice Ann Johnston of Merrillville, IN, and Marjorie Grochowicz of Tacoma, WA, with whom she resided since 1992. She leaves behind six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren, two step-great- great-grandchildren, and her youngest brother Milford Benson (Pat) of Sioux City, IA, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mom was a hard worker, holding various jobs including President of the Garment Workers Union in Aurora, Illinois; welder on fighter planes during WWII; welder of metal office furniture following the war then operating her own drapery and upholstering business. She was baptized and confirmed as a young child in the Lutheran faith and was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tacoma since 1992. She loved quilting, made many for family members, and made many tops for her churches over the years. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday in the Pioneer Place Assisted Living facility and the family wishes to thank all members of the staff for the professional and very loving care given to her since November of 2004. Memorial service will be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 140 E. 56th St., in Tacoma. Arrangements for cremation and interment at Calvary Cemetery are being made by Powers Funeral Home in Puyallup. In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or to your favorite charity.

"Little Angel’s Britches I prayed that when called that I’ll be led And may in glory stand; A crown of thorns upon my head, A needle in my hands. I never learned to sing or play So let no harp be mine; Through life until dying Plain sewing is my line. And so accustomed to the end Of applying useful stitches, I’ll be content if asked to mend The little angel’s britches"
Author unknown

Tacoma News Tribune - Tacoma, Washington
January 25, 2006

[Helga Benson grew up near Kanawha, Iowa]