Edna M. Benson, 102, of Redwood Falls, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Wood Dale Nursing Home in Redwood Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 18 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vesta, with visitation one hour prior to services.  Interment is in the Vesta Cemetery.  Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Edna M. Benson was born October 17, 1908 in a sod house in Center, North Dakota, the daughter of Hugo and Mathilda (Bendix) Marquardt.  She was baptized in Center, ND and confirmed on May 4, 1924 in Echo, Minnesota.  She attended country school near Redwood Falls and Echo through the eighth grade.  On April 20, 1927 she was united in marriage to Alfred Benson in Echo, Minnesota.  Together the couple made their home in Seaforth, Lucan, and later Vesta.  Alfred and Edna enjoyed square-dancing in their younger days.  Edna was a wonderful mother and was always a hard worker.  She never complained or said a bad word about anyone.  Edna enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren and was always interested in what they were doing.  She spent time crocheting, quilting, playing Scrabble and Canasta.

Edna is survived by her children: Betty (Harland) Jeseritz of Kerkhoven, MN, Norman (LaDonna) of Waconia, MN, Lyle (Betty) of Farmington, MN, Beulah (Weldon) Larson of Willmar, MN, Elvin (Faye) of Farmington, MN, Audrey Wells of Redwood Falls, Yvonne (Mike) Walsh of Prior Lake, MN, Stanley (Virginia) of Stillwater, OK, Harvey (Brenda) of Crosby, MN, and Tom (Donna) of Star, ID.  She is also survived by 39 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-grandchildren; sisters: Irene Hahn of Wadena, MN, Elvira Bruss of Cambridge, MN, and Lois Mueller of New Ulm, MN; and sister-in-law Leona Marquardt of Chaska, MN.  She is preceded in death her parents, husband Alfred, daughter Jean, sons: Dale, Dallas, and Gary, and siblings: Elmer, Lester, Wilbert, Herbert, Gerald, Warren, Verna, Velma, Hilda, Dorothy, and Adeline.