Arlene Benson

Arlene R. Benson, 95, of Marshalltown IA passed away December 13, 2021 at the Iowa River Hospice Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 17, 2021, at St. Francis of Assisi – St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshalltown, with lunch to follow.  Visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral Home on December 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a Vigil Service beginning at 7 p.m. Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery, LaMoille IA.  Memorials may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Church; Iowa River Hospice; or to Marshalltown Community College Foundation. For additional questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.  The family respectfully requests all attendees to wear a mask to best protect all those coming to pay their respects. For those unable to attend, services will be available at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell-Family-Funeral-Home-99280714047/ . Arlene was born on September 22, 1926 in Fort Madison IA, the oldest of eight children of Frank and Myrtle (Holtkamp) Peterschmidt.  She grew up on a farm near West Point IA, in a loving family with many cousins, aunts and uncles a regular part of her life.  Arlene graduated in 1944 from St. Mary’s High School in West Point as valedictorian of her class and received a scholarship to attend Marycrest College in Davenport IA.  She graduated in 1948 with a BA degree in English and Social Studies and then accepted a position at LaMoille High School in Marshall County.  At LaMoille, she loved teaching English, directing school plays, and acting as chaperone of the girls’ basketball team.  While teaching at LaMoille, she met Wendell Benson, a LaMoille native and young newspaper reporter. Arlene and Wendell fell in love and were married at St. Mary’s Church in Marshalltown on July 24, 1949.  Arlene and Wendell raised five children in Marshalltown.  She was a stay-at-home mom during this time, but also continued her teaching career at Marshalltown Central Junior High and St. Mary’s High School on a part-time basis.  Arlene re-entered full time teaching at Marshalltown Community College in 1964 until 1989 when she retired.  At MCC Arlene taught classes in English, Social Studies, and Psychology and was also a student counselor.  She particularly enjoyed teaching and counseling older adult students who were renewing their education experience.   She obtained a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Iowa State University in 1970.    Arlene enjoyed membership in many community organizations including St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society, St. Patrick’s Study Club, PEO Chapter JU, Beta Sigma Phi, 20th Century Club, Marshalltown Retired Teachers, and Early American Glass Club.  She was an enthusiastic supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities.  She and Wendell enjoyed traveling in retirement to visit friends and relatives throughout the US; and especially enjoyed their trips to the UK and Europe.  Arlene treasured time spent with her sisters and brother and their families.  Arlene is survived by her five children; Connie (Jim) Stansberry of Marshalltown, David (Sue) Benson of Spirit Lake IA, Dan (Vicki) Benson of Port Washington WI, Carol (Rob) Mosley of Ridgedale MO, and John (Sheri) Benson of Beeville TX.  Also surviving are 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brother Adrian (Pauline) Peterschmidt; and sisters Velda (Ed) Wittstock, Florence (Eve McClure) Peterschmidt, Christine (John) Myers, and Karen (Tim) Geraghty.  Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Wendell in 2011; sister and husband Juanita and Bob Anderson; sister Rita Corbaley; and brother-in-law Dan Gardner.  Also preceding her in death were Wendell’s siblings and their spouses, Irma and Virgil Brockman, Imogene and Cleo Huston, and Harold and Mary Benson.  Her family wishes to thank the staff of Glenwood Place and Iowa River Hospice for the excellent care given to Arlene.  You were a blessing to her and to us.  - Lovingly written by the family