Elvira “Vera” Augusta Fruetel

Obituary

Elvira “Vera” Augusta (Benkowski) Fruetel was born on May 12, 1926, in Carver County, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Ewald and Augusta (Klaustermeier) Benkowski.  Vera was baptized as an infant on May 23, 1926, by Rev. Herman Am End at Zion Lutheran Church in Benton Township, Cologne, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on March 17, 1940, by Rev. Stahlke at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, Minnesota.  She received her education in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, graduating with the Class of 1944. 

On November 24, 1945, Vera was united in marriage to Virgil Fruetel by Rev. R. A. Ritz at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, Minnesota.  Vera and Virgil made their home on a farm in Lester Prairie, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with five children, Mary Lou, Cheryl, Diane, Michael and Jerry.  Vera and Virgil shared over 47 years of marriage, until Virgil passed away on March 27, 1993.

In addition to being a loving wife, mother and homemaker, Vera worked with Virgil in every aspect of the farm.  She also worked at Green Giant in Glencoe, Minnesota and did house cleaning for other families.  She was an active member at Prairie Community Church in Lester Prairie, where she served on the Women’s Guild being the president for many years, and was a Sunday school teacher. 

Vera enjoyed quilting, sewing, cooking, canning, baking, being known for her bread, fishing, gardening, and playing cards.  Staying in touch with others was very important to Vera and she loved visiting with her friends and family, always having time for each.

Vera passed away on Monday, May 15, 2017, at St. Mary’s Care Center in Winsted, Minnesota, at the age of 91 years and 3 days.

Blessed be her memory.

Vera is survived by her:
Daughters, Mary Lou Fruetel of Hutchinson, MN,
Cheryl Martin and her husband, Gene, of Belle Plaine, MN,
Diane Hoen and her husband, Herbert, of Lester Prairie, MN;
Grandchildren, Richard Martin and his wife, Jill, of Belle Plaine, MN,
Troy Hoen and his fiancé, Lindy, of Lester Prairie, MN,
Tina Arneson and her husband, Eric, of Buffalo, MN,
Tricia Hoen of Lester Prairie, MN,
Vanessa Betker and her husband, Kris, of Hutchinson, MN,
Jeffrey Fruetel of Lester Prairie, MN,
Angela Zellmann of Lester Prairie, MN;
Great Grandchildren, Nevaeh Dolsen, Ava Betker, Ellie, Ethan and Emma Martin, Stephen Arneson;
Sister, Lillian Dammann of Lester Prairie, MN;
Step Sister, Arlaine Schiebe of Elk River, MN;
Sister-In-Law, Sonja Fruetel of Cosmos, MN;
Brothers-In-Law, Ed LaMott of Silver Lake, MN,
Orlin Graupmann of Glencoe, MN,
Ralph Fruetel of Silt, CO;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Vera is preceded in death by her Parents, Ewald and Augusta Benkowski; Husband, Virgil Fruetel; Father and Mother-in-law, Edward and Stella Fruetel; Step Father, August Kruschke; Sons, Jerry Fruetel, Michael Fruetel; Granddaughter, Baby Girl Hoen; Sisters, Dorothy LaMott, Ella Graupmann; Brothers-In-Law and Sisters-In-Law, Wilmer Dammann, Mildred and Harold Feltmann, Elmer and Rosella Fruetel, Gilbert and Rosie Fruetel, Leslie and Helen Fruetel, Howard “Pat” and Elaine Fruetel, Marcella Fruetel, Wilferd and Phyllis Fruetel, Leonard Fruetel, Elaine Fruetel; Step Family, Ervin Kruschke, Germaine and Elvin Beaudry, Marvin and Lydia Kruschke, Gilbert and Ethel Kruschke, Loren Schiebe.