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Winifred (Winnie) W. Benson of Center City departed this life on October 20, 2016 after a 30 month battle with cancer. She was at her home, surrounded by her loving husband, daughter and family when she took her last breath in this world. Winnie was born March 26, 1948 in Granite Falls, Minnesota to Robert E. Lende and Winifred Leah Winter. Robert died prior to her birth. At three years old, she was adopted by her step-father Harry J. Skinner. She graduated from High School in Willmar, Minnesota and attended St Cloud State College where she met and married James (Jim) L. Benson (in Willmar) on March 8, 1969.

She is survived by her loving husband Jim, daughter Susan (Thomas) Lee (now of Center City, Minnesota) and son J. Robert (Kendra) Benson of Fort Collins, Colorado; grandchildren Emily Lee, Malcolm Lee, Niles Lee, Leah Benson, Russell Benson and Katherine Benson; and special grandnephews Sa’Daren Moody and Paul Blake.

A family visitation is scheduled at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, Minnesota Friday, November 4, 2016 from 5 PM to 8 PM. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 11 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints Chapel, in North Branch. Winnie is best known in the community for her piano accompaniment for many Chisago Lakes High School Musicals, her amazing piano accompaniment for Chisago Lakes’ own “Unexpected Company” community chorus, and her always up-beat, can do attitude and smile. She is loved by many and will be missed by all.  Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com

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