Elaine Lucille Benson

PORTAGE —Elaine Lucille Benson passed away at Dove Healthcare in Lodi, surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Elaine was born on June 5, 1937, in Reedsburg Wisconsin, the eldest of nine children of John and Evelyn (Stollfus) Hutchinson. Elaine was married to Dennis Benson, the love of her life on February 14, 1974, celebrating 51 years of marriage.

Elaine worked as a realtor and home healthcare aide. Her many loves were cooking, especially her famous baked beans, collecting cookbooks and pretty dishes.  The lure of yard sales, traveling, real estate, driving the Amish, having adventures and always going down the road less traveled. She was a hardworking pioneering woman with an incredible work ethic, creativity, a teacher - wise beyond her years. She created proud, strong, hard working children and family stock, always leading by example. 

She is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughter Jennie (David), Linda (Jim), Angelina (Tim), Catherine; son Robert (Betty); daughter Laura (Bill); son Matthew (Sara); siblings Jim, Kay, Shari, and Jacque, 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; as well as her siblings Dennis, Patsy, Donna and Joyce.

The family would like to thank Dove Healthcare for their love and care.

Services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran in Portage. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 until the time of services. Inurnment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or VFW Post 1707 Women’s Auxiliary, Portage.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.