Dixie Benge

Dixie Ann (Hill) Benge died peacefully on October 28, 2013 at the Lakewood Hospital in Staples from a heart attack at the age of 81 years old.

She was born in Mankato on October 8, 1932 to Rex and Anna Josephine (Buis) Hill. Dixie grew up and graduated from High School in Mankato in 1950. She attended Mankato State Teachers College for two years and while there she sang in the A Cappella Choir. She married Richard A. Benge in Mankato at the First Congregational Church on October 4, 1952. They lived and worked in Mankato and Crystal before moving north where Dixie served as secretary at the Methodist Church in Staples and for the City of Motley.

Dixie loved to garden and raise flowers. She was especially fond of growing African Violets. She enjoyed nature and watching birds as well as raising bluebirds at Birdwing Meadows in Motley. Dixie loved horseback riding and her favorite horse, Slicker. She was a member of the Garden Club, Sprinkle and Sprout, Lincoln Ladies Aid, and was a 50-year member of her P.E.O. Sisterhood. But most of all, Dixie had a beautiful voice. She would share this gift with others at church, college, and at the Lakewood Manor in Staples where she has lived for the last three years. She loved her family and helping other people. Her sweet nature made her a kind and gentle lady and was loved by all.

She was blessed with five children Sandra Benge of Odin, MN, Jeffrey Benge of Zimmerman, MN, Marcia Quarberg of Maple Grove, MN, Scott Benge of Zimmerman, MN, and Becky (Eric) Irwin of Peyton, CO; grandchildren, Shawn (Crystal) Quarberg, Lauren Benge, Desiree Benge, Angela Benge, Nathan Irwin, and Nicholas Irwin; great-grandchildren, Parisa Tokpah and Victoria Quarberg; brother, Darryl Hill of Owatonna and his special friend, Alice Gute; niece, Jane (Peter) Hatton; nephew, Brent (Gena) Hill; and a sister-in-law, Carol (Roger) Coult, of Crosslake. Dixie was preceded in death by her husband Richard Benge and by her sister-in-law Shirley Hill.

Visitation will be Monday, November 4, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lincoln Evangelical Free Church (1354-320th St. - Cushing, MN 56443). The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley. Memorial may be given to the donor's choice.