Sandra L Benson

Merrimac – Sandra L Benson, 62, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2016 at home surrounded by her family.

Sandra was born in Portage on September 24, 1953, the first daughter of Ed and Gloria Blystone. She graduated from Portage High School in 1972 and married Emery Benson on October 20, 1979.  They had three children, Stacy, Stephanie (twins) and Sherry.

After 10 years working at the Portage Hosiery, Sandy was a stay-at-home mom caring for her three daughters and as many as ten other neighborhood children. She later worked various retail jobs before providing over 10 years of personal care as a day coordinator at REM Wisconsin.

Nothing made Sandy happier than being with family and friends– especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed cheering for the Packers, motorcycle rides, photography, writing, sewing and knitting, baking, gardening and following her husband to the Steam & Gas show. Sandra was a member of the Caledonia Presbyterian Church and Durwards Glen Homemakers.

Carrying on her memory are her husband Emery Benson of Merrimac, her children Stacy (Chris) Ward of Chicago, Stephanie (Tadd) Brensike of Merrimac and Sherry Benson of Merrimac; her five grandchildren Hunter, Drake, Blaise, Adelaide and Collins; her brother Jerry (Cindy) Blystone and sisters Patty (Joe) Horkan and Vicky (Dave) Kohler; three brother-in-laws Ben Benson, Dennis (Elaine) Benson and Scott (Tammy) Benson and sister-in-law Karen (Dave) Whittman; her dear friend Patty Ziehmke and motorcycle group Jim and Diane Ramsay, Rick and Kim Schutz and Mark and Suzie Henke; relatives and many friends.

Sandy is welcomed into heaven especially by her parents Ed Blystone and Gloria (Blystone) Heuser, her stepfather Don Heuser, grandparents Milton and Belva Allison, special friend Tony Kapel and many other family members and friends.

The family would like to especially thank Home Health United, Staff at Meriter, and Dr . Huie for care and support for Sandra.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Portage Public Library or the Caledonia Presbyterian Church.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 9th from 4PM-8PM. A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held at 11AM on Thursday, March 10th at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage with Sherry Benson (daughter) and Pastor Paula Bremer conducting services. Inurnment will be private.