Esther Benedict

Esther M. (Henning) Benedict, age 83, of Lamberton, MN died peacefully with family surrounding her on January 8, 2012 at Valley View Manor nursing home. Esther was born in Reading, MN to John and Ida (Schoo) Henning in 1928. She went to country school until the age of twelve. She graduated from Tracy High School in 1945. On June 5, 1946 she married Kenneth Benedict and established a family farm in Lamberton. Delivery truck drivers would often schedule their routes to see Esther at ten, noon, or three knowing she would have lunch and coffee waiting for them. In 1970, with an ambitious and hardworking personality, she started her Countryside Cooks catering service, notorious for her potato salad and scalloped potato recipes. Her good hearted, fun loving spirit was a blessing to many, especially her card groups and weekly weigh-in group. She spent many hours quilting, working in the garden, canning and dancing to old-time music. Her giving nature benefited the Legion Auxiliary, Redwood County Extension, St. Joseph's Catholic Church's CCW, 4H as an adult leader and other various community volunteer efforts throughout the years. She was awarded the Bishop's Medal of service for her volunteer work at St. Joseph's Church. She also was the recipient of the Gold Star Mother award, given to her in 1981 by the United States Navy. Her heart of gold will be missed by her husband Kenneth of Lamberton; children, Judy (Gary) Johnson of Winnebago, Jan Voge of Apply Valley, Leon (Jan) Benedict of Lamberton, Mark (Jan) Benedict of Lamberton, Kay (Darvin) Voge of Springfield, Michael Benedict of Wasilla, AK, Jon Benedict of Fairbanks, AK, Jeffrey Benedict of Lamberton; 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Inez, Leona, Jack, Bill, Gerry, Willie, and Cleo. She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents; son, Thomas; and siblings, Quienes, Loretta, Dorothy, Donald, Arnold, and Viola. In honor of Esther's courage, and all of the families supporting loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, please where purple to the funeral service. First Visitation 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, January 13, 2012 Sturm Funeral Home, Lamberton 502 S. Main Lamberton, Minnesota, United States 56152