Goldie Martha Wente

Goldie Martha Wente, age 98, of Benson, Minnesota, died Monday, April 7, 2025, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will continue from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 14,  2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Trinity Lutheran Church - Fairfield Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements. zniewskifuneralhome.com

Goldie Martha Arnold Wente was born on October 16, 1926, on the family farm in Hegbert Township, Swift County, the daughter of Arthur and Martha (Beyer) Arnold. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hegbert Township. Goldie attended country school and then went to Appleton High School where she graduated in 1945. She moved to Minneapolis for a short time working as a ticker tape operator and then returned home. Goldie met her life-mate at a wedding dance, Leo Wente. They were married on September 30, 1948, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. To this union three daughters were born: Nancy, Marsha, and Patricia.

Goldie and Leo farmed together raising crops and various animals. In later years, they enjoyed traveling and visiting family in Montana, Arizona, and other areas. After retiring they moved to Benson and eventually into Scandi Haven Village where Leo passed on April 30, 2019. Goldie and Leo were married 70 years.

Goldie had a passion for cooking and baking, and her homemade dishes were always the highlight of family gatherings. The girls’ favorite was homemade ice cream, a winter treat. “Here is some rice hotdish. Have another bar or piece of apple pie…” was often heard as we sat at her table. Goldie also had a green thumb and loved tending to her garden. Her gladiolas often graced the front of their church as she loved to bless others. Her vegetable garden produced much bounty, and she did a lot of canning and freezing. A favorite of many were her amazing dill pickles. She was an avid reader, with a book and a Bible on her stand at all times.  Goldie enjoyed sewing. She created many clothes including her daughter Marsha’s wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses for all of the daughters’ weddings. Goldie also created hundreds of quilts for her family and missions.

Goldie was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield, where she served on Dorcas Guild, made alter cloths, was on the serving committee, and participated in Bible studies. She taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School, was in choir, and helped wherever needed.

Goldie was called from this life on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson, Minnesota. She was 98 years old. Goldie is survived by her daughters: Nancy (Merlyn) Larson, Correll, MN, Marsha (Warren) Holzheimer, Holloway, MN, Patricia (Jerome) McGeary, Holloway, MN; ten grandchildren: Douglas (Amy) Larson, Randy (Sashya) Larson, Brian Larson, Stacy (Steve) Link, Michele (Dustin) Hillman, Daniel (Staci) Holzheimer, Katie (fiancé Blake Brossart) Holzheimer, Erin (Jason) Selix, Robert (Jill) McGeary, Amanda (Ben) Bengtson;25  great-grandchildren: Chet (JeanMarie) Larson, Stone Larson, Tanner Larson, Cali (Brody) Bahr, Rylan Larson, Jordan (Erika) Larson, Lexi (Isaiah) Morrell, Braydan Larson, Grady, Keaton, and Colby Link, Elizabeth and Leah Hillman, Savannah and Harper Holzheimer, Cole, Molly, Quinn, and Brett Selix, Eli, Nora, Everett, and Maggie McGeary, Beau and Blake Bengtson; seven great-great-grandchildren: Breck, Hudson, Dayton, Hadlee, Everlee, Lily, and Leo; her sister Doris Thorsgaard; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Goldie was preceded in death by her husband Leo Wente, parents Art and Martha Arnold, in-laws Henry and Martha Wente, brother Kenneth (Mardell) Arnold, sister JoAnn Jagow, brothers-in-law: Harold Thorsgaard, Harry Jagow, Eli (Alma) Wente, sisters-in-law Helen (Paul, Sr.) Ehrenberg and Mildred (Robert) Delong, and great-granddaughter-in-law Nicole Larson.

Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:1-2 A verse that embodies who Goldie was and what her entire life reflected. Thank you, mom and grandma, for modeling Christ and goodness and kindness to us and all that met you. Blessed be the memory of Goldie Wente.