Carol Benike passed away on December 25, 2022 at the Littlefork Care Center at the age of 85. She had battled Parkinson’s disease and resulting dementia for the past 18 years of her life.
Carol Ann Ness was born in South International Falls, MN on November 21, 1937 to Silas and Angel Ness. She graduated from Falls High School in 1956 and attended Bemidji State for elementary education. Her nickname was “Nessie” to all those who knew her in her early years. In the early 1960’s she lived in Rochester, MN and worked as a manager in the hat department at the Donaldson store chain. This was the time frame when hats were all the rage with Jackie Kennedy leading the fashion trend. While in Rochester, MN she met her future husband Milton who farmed 14 miles away near Elgin, MN. They were married on September 28, 1963 in International Falls, MN.
Milton and Carol lived on the family farm near Elgin until 1977 when they moved to Birchdale, MN with their 3 sons Brent, Ross and Kent. Carol had numerous friends and acquaintances over the years and had a special ability to really listen and help people. Complete strangers would at times pour out their life story to Carol earning her the title of “Dear Abby” to those who knew her well. In addition to being a good listener she was also a tremendous giver. You couldn’t stop by the farm without being offered some type of treat or free sweet corn if it was corn season. If you gave her something, she would always figure out a way to give you something back in return.
In addition to her giving and listening abilities, she spent many years “adopting” elderly people who needed a helping hand when they were in assisted living or living at home alone. Other areas of interest for her were being a domestic engineer for the guys at the farm, selling Shaklee products, coordinating/ helping with community functions, teaching Sunday School children and praying earnestly for people she knew.
Carol is survived by her children, Brent (Kim), Ross and Kent(Melanie). Grandchild Brenden Benike and nephews Jerry(Carol) and Tom Graham and sister-inlaw Inez Bauman.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband Milton, parents Silas and Angel Ness, sister Waivel Graham and nephew Gary Graham.
A funeral service will be held at the Birchdale Congregational Church on Saturday December 31 at 11am with a luncheon at the Birchdale Community Center following. Interment will be at the Riverdale Cemetery at Border, MN.
If desired, the family prefers donations in Carol’s memory to Psalm FM in lieu of flowers.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
