Stella Benson, 95, of Maddock, ND,  died Monday, March 3, 2014, at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford.  Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 8, 2014,  11:00 AM at North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock with Pastor Allen Campbell officiating.  Burial will be later in the spring in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7pm with a 7:00PM Prayer Service at the Nelson Funeral Home in Maddock.  Serving as casket bearers will be her grandchildren with the great-grandchildren as honorary bearers.  Music will be from Rachel Markestad, organist and soloist.

Stella Jacobson was born October 8, 1918 at the family farm in Hesper Township, rural Maddock, ND to Adele and Carl Jacobson.  She attended elementary school in Hesper and graduated from the Benson County Agricultural and Training School in Maddock.  Stella went to the New York Hairstyling Academy in Fargo.  She worked in a beauty shop in Rugby.  Stella married Arthur Benson July 8, 1940 on her family farm.  They had a double outdoor wedding with Stella's brother and wife.  Stella and Art lived for a short time in Rugby and a farm in East Fork Township before moving to the present farm rural Maddock.  In 1980, the couple moved into Maddock.

Stella was a devoted wife and mother to three sons.  Art passed away April 20, 2000.  She was an active member of North Viking Lutheran Church where she held various offices in the WELCA and taught Sunday School.  She loved Circle meetings and discussing the Bible Lessons.  She attended Circle whenever it was possible.  She was also a member of a homemakers club for several years.

Art and Stella spent 30 winters in Florida, went on many fishing trips together and played cards with friends.  Stella loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She could visit for hours with them or play cards.  She was an avid bird watcher and always had seed for them.  Stella lived for a time at the Maddock Memorial Home and in October of 2013, moved to the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford.

Surviving are 3 sons:  Curt (Sylvia) Benson of LaPorte, MN,  Rick (Bonnie) Benson of Maddock and Ryan Benson of Fairfax, IA;  4 grandchildren:  Craig (Karla) Benson of Fargo,  Carrie Benson of Moorhead, MN,  Jared (Jennifer) Benson  and Lorissa (Justin) Green of Maddock;  9 great grandchildren:  Audrey,  Abbey,  Anna,  Tate,  Chase and Lane Benson,  Colton, Jorgia and Naomi Green;  a brother:  Henning (Myrt) Jacobson of Maddock;  a sister:  Pearl (Harold) Mueller of Rugby,  a sisters-in-law: Edythe Jacobson in Washington and Ruth Nesset in Colorado;  several nieces and nephews.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents;  husband: Art;  an infant daughter;  a daughter-in-law:  Carol;  a brother:  Lennert and a sister:  Sonja.





Condolences:

Oh Stella.... I am saddened to hear of your passing. You and Art were such a large part of my childhood and I will continue to cherish those memories forever. My heart and prayers go to your family at this time. Tell my "best buddy" Art how much I miss him. Love and hugs to you all. Find comfort with each other during this difficult time. Please know she is finally at rest with her long awaited love. Korissa (Lang) Bergrud



So sorry to hear about Stella.  She was such a sweet lady and I have so many fond memories of her.  Thoughts and prayers are with the family.  You have my deepest sympathy.  Colleen Erickson



This morning while reading news online, I was saddened to find that Stella had passed away.  Heaven has two new Maddock, neighbors, NV Church lady angels this week.  My Mom, Marian Markestad, passed away on Wed evening.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Cindy (Markestad) Jenson, Northfield MN