Gertrude M. Benson

CROSSLAKE — Gertrude Marian Benson, age 91, of Crosslake, formerly of Crosby, died on Nov. 14, 2011, at Golden Horizon’s of Crosslake. She was born on Dec. 28, 1919, in Crosby to Otto and Lyyli (Ketola) Maki. She belonged to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby.
Preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Nick Hoskari; first husband, Matthew Benson; second husband, Frank Johnson; third husband, Al Kern; one son, Eddie Benson; long time companion, Henry Wilson; brothers, Elmer Maki, Onni and Oliver Hoskari; sister, Bertha Wiljamaa and Taimi Rantasha; stepson, Gene Kern; Henry’s son, Roger Wilson.
Survivors include three sons, Carl (Shirley) Benson, of Pillager, Benny (Joanne) Benson, of Shoreview, Robert (Ruth) Benson, of Williston, N.D.; daughters, Ilona (Ron) Rooney, of Emily, Cathy (Kenneth) Gillette, of Deerwood; stepsons, Dennis (Wilma) Johnson, Marlin (Jeannie) Johnson, Carson Johnson, and Gary (Marie) Kern; stepdaughters, Louella Turner and Carol (Don) Andrews; Henry’s children, LeRoy (Bunty) Wilson, Helen (Stan) Sharp, Sheila (Kevin) Relch; sisters, Elsa Geelan, of Buffalo, Vieno Syrjanen, of Embarrass; sister-in-law, Ethel Maki; 11 grandchildren, nine great-grandchlldren and four great-great -grandchildren; several stepgrandchildren.
Celebration of life will be 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby. Burial will be at the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby. Friends may call on Sunday at the Koop Funeral Home from noon until time of services.