Carolyn K. Benson

Carolyn Kay Benson, age 79 of Westbrook, passed away Friday, July 24, 2020 at Westbrook Good Samaritan after a courageous battle with cancer.  In accordance with Carolyn’s wishes private family services will be held at a later date. Memorials preferred to Hospice of Murray County. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

I, Carolyn Kay Benson was born the eighth child to LeAnder and Christine (Cohrs) Busswitz on December 25, 1940 in Dovray Township, Murray County, Minnesota.  I enjoyed having a Christmas birthday, even if I only received one present for both occasions, until I married Roger Benson.  I graduated from Westbrook in 1958, and was the youngest of my class.  After graduating, I worked as a nurse in Tracy (and I was very good at it too)!  Roger and I were married on October 1, 1961 and we had three children, Shelley (Keeler), Erik, and Tammy Elaine, who was severely brain damaged and passed away in 1996.  I was active in the community and church, and as my children say, I was a professional volunteer.  I especially enjoyed my time volunteering at Good Samaritan Care Center.  There, I did manicures, visited (and yes, I even listened to them tell their stories) and I read to the residents.  I enjoyed crocheting, knitting, Scrabble and crosswords, especially the New York Times.  I also enjoyed emailing all around the country, and traveling.

I am survived by my husband Roger of 58 years; children: Shelley Keeler of Federal Way, WA and Erik (Angie) Benson of Westbrook; grandsons: Brandon & Therron Keeler and Joshua, Andrew & Matthew Benson; sister LeAnn (Robert) Krueger of Savage; and many other relatives and friends. Meeting me at my Father’s Throne are my parents, daughter Tammy, siblings Arthur, Luvern, Marvin, Doris Iverson, Arlen & Elwood Busswitz and my dear in-laws.