Constance Benson

Constance E. Benson died on December 26, at Thorne Crest in Albert Lea. Constance Benson was born on October 6, 1922 in Newry Township, in Minnesota, the third child of Clarence and Mamie Anderson of Austin. Connie was baptized, confirmed, and married at the Red Oak Grove Lutheran church.

She was a graduate of Austin High School and Austin Teachers College and taught rural school for a year. She graduated from the Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester and became a Cadet Nurse during World War II. After graduation her nursing career included teaching Nursing Arts for several years, work in a Pediatric ward, work in an Obstetrics ward, a private duty nurse, a school nurse, and various staff positions, including the operating room at Colonial Hospital. She taught Sunday School, was active in Church Women, Nurses Club, and Bridge groups. She helped organize one of the first Grief Support Groups and was a facilitator for several years. On May 2, 2009 she attended the Southeastern Minnesota Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to visit the nation's World War II Memorial. As a veteran she was the only woman of the 84 veterans on the flight.

Connie was married to Clifford D. Benson (deceased) and they had six sons. Connie is survived by five sons Michael (Charlane), Gaylen (Sharon), Craig (Vicki), Curtis (Liz), and Eric (Sarah). She was preceded in death by son Daryl (Rhonda). She was also preceded in death by sisters Muriel, Shylah, LaVonne, Gloria, and brother Carmen. 

She is survived by sisters Bette Ladd and Jean Vanberg. She is also survived by grandchildren, and great grandchildren.Connie's foremost values included her faith in God and her family. She was an exceptional mother and parent. She loved traveling abroad and to Alaska. She enjoyed playing both duplicate and party bridge.

The family thanks Thorne Crest for her care through the last years of her life. Also, a special thanks to St. Croix Hospice for their special care.

A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, 30456 Mower/Freeborn Rd, Austin, MN 55912.