Majel Dorothy Sophie Benkowski

Obituary

Majel Dorothy Sophie (Harms) Benkowski was born on June 29, 1934, in Norwood, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Frederick “Fred” C. and Ella D. (Gruenhagen) Harms.  Majel was baptized as an infant on July 15, 1934, by Rev. Herman AmEnd and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on March 21, 1948, by Rev. Rottmann both at Zion Lutheran Church in Benton Township, Cologne, Minnesota.  Her confirmation verse was Romans 1:16. Majel received her education in Norwood Young America, Minnesota, graduating with the Central High School Class of 1952.

On June 20, 1958, Majel was united in marriage to Norman Herman Benkowski at Zion Lutheran Church in Benton Township, Cologne, Minnesota.  Majel and Norman made their home in Lester Prairie, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with two children, Randi and Rhonda.  Majel and Norman shared over 60 years of marriage until Norman passed away on August 24, 2018.

Majel worked as a payroll clerk and did data entry at Schwartz Manufacturing in Lester Prairie, and Young America Corporation in Norwood Young America.  She was an active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.  As her ministry to the church, she proudly served as the church secretary, on the St. Peter’s LWML and the ice cream social committee.

Majel enjoyed crossword puzzles, picture puzzles, reading and music.  She loved to entertain especially hosting holiday gatherings.  Majel always put others first and cherished the time spent with her friends, family and babysitting her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Majel passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2020, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, Minnesota, at the age of 86 years, 1 month and 18 days.

Blessed be her memory.

Majel is survived by her:
Children, Randi Benkowski of Norwood Young America, MN,
Rhonda Schauer and her husband, John, of Green Isle, MN;
Grandchildren, Jodi Michaelis of Glencoe, MN,
Lindsey Drexler and her husband, Sean, of Arlington, MN,
Jacob “J.J.” Schauer and his wife, Kari, of Green Isle, MN,
Cole Benkowski and his wife, Danara, of Sparks, NV,
Carter Benkowski of Norwood Young America, MN,
Cameron Benkowski of Norwood Young America, MN,
Cailey Benkowski of Norwood Young America, MN;
Great Grandchildren, Tarin Michaelis, Cody Michaelis, Riley Drexler, Harper Drexler, Nathan Schauer, Makenna Schauer;
Sister, Marilyn Lenzen of Cologne, MN;
Sister-In-Law, Ruth Harms of Norwood Young America, MN;
Nephews, Nieces, Other relatives and many friends.

Majel is preceded in death by her Parents, Frederick “Fred” and Ella Harms; Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law, Albert and Gertrude Benkowski; Grandson-In-Law, Dustin Michaelis; Brothers, Mervin Harms, Maynard Harms and his wife, Enid; Brother-In-Law, Dennis Lenzen.