Leatrice Mae Janette Benson

Leatrice Benson, 93, wife of Tom Benson, passed away at the Morris, MN, hospital on January 27, 2024. A Celebration of Leatrice's Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024,at Zniewski Funeral Home-Vaala Chapel in Appleton. Please, no memorials preferred.

Leatrice was born to Elmer and Luella Carlson in Appleton, MN on July 13, 1930. She married Thomas Benson of Appleton on June 30, 1950, who pre-deceased her in April 2017.

Leatrice is survived by their four children, Edward Benson (Ping Li), John Benson, Louise Kack (Jeff), and Geri Benson (Bob Bonnett); six grandchildren, Sam Benson (Rachel), Adia Gundry (Alex), Brian Benson (Rachel), Thomas Kack (Erica), Shane Kack (Brianna), and Jennifer Brandenburger (Darin); and ten great-grandchildren with another on the way.

Tom and Leatrice enjoyed farming all their lives and were active in farming and political issues, including advocating for farm prices and rural issues in Washington, DC, for the American-Ag organization in the late 1970’s.  Leatrice very much enjoyed her time living in DC and making life-long friendships with people sympathetic to rural issues.

Leatrice led a very active life, spending winter months at their family cabin on Lake Superior in Lutsen, MN where she ran the gift shop at the Lutsen ski area, worked as a ski instructor, and taught all her children and grandchildren to ski or enjoy other winter activities.  In the summer months, she enjoyed hosting their children and grandchildren at their Battle Lake, MN cabin where they all learned to swim. After Sunday noon dinner she’d send everyone on their way home and stay to clean the cabin. In her spare time, she loved to be on the golf course. She belonged to the Appleton Golf Club and had to be home for ladies’ day every Wednesday. Leatrice will be remembered for always being a cheerful and nurturing host to family activities. Wherever she was, noon dinners were always enjoyed by family and friends.

Blessed be the memory of Leatrice Benson.