Marlys Benson

Marlys reached the impressive milestone of 93 years of age before her recent passing. She lived her life to the fullest.

Marlys loved her family, friends, playing and winning at cards, travel adventures, reading biographies and eating peanut butter and pickle sandwiches.  She was hardworking and made things happen no matter what. We described her as “feisty." She taught us to be in charge of our lives and happiness.  In recent years you could always find her walking the hallways of her assisted living home in search of conversation. She was curious and so enjoyed getting to know others.

Over her life Marlys lived in Minnesota and Wisconsin, preferring small towns to the bigger cities. She was an entrepreneur who crafted a career for herself in sales - owning Santa’s Christmas Tree farm, establishing a real estate practice and a uniform sales company. 

She is preceded in death by husband, Jay and daughter, Kristine. She is survived by her sons, Wayne (Mary) and Paul; son-in-law (Jim); nephew, Bruce; niece, Kay (Bill); stepchildren, Jhan (Tony), Teena (Michael) and Glenn (Robbie); 11 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

Marlys did not like funerals and preferred that we not have one for her.  We are honoring her choice by having a Celebration of Life on Sunday, February 4, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at Mueller Memorial - White Bear Lake Chapel; 4738 Bald Eagle Ave. Marlys did request you have a peanut butter pickle sandwich on her behalf and consider a donation to her favorite public television station, tpt, or charity Sharing and Caring Hands in Minneapolis.