Barbara Joy Paustian Benda peacefully left this world from her home and flew on to her next great adventure, Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Barbara Benda was born on a very cold night, November 15, 1926, in Ellendale, Minnesota to Carl and Effie (Drum) Paustian in their home. Born into a family whose ancestors were some of the first settlers, they funded Capt. John Smith and took part in establishing Harvard. The interesting history continued as they settled across the country.
Always a singer, Barbara started singing at her church at the age of five and continued her talents in several college, church and community choirs, and at weddings and funerals. Barb was also a very talented piano and organ player and entertained us with polkas, hymns, and classical music. We are all blessed to have developed an appreciation for all kinds of music.
Barbara met her beloved husband and great love of her life, Joseph Dwayne Benda, when he was a lay preacher at Ellendale Methodist Church during World War II. Their first date was at the Steele County Fair, where Barbara got sunburned and fell deeply in love. It was love at first sight and the rest was history. Barbara & Dwayne were married at the Ellendale Methodist Church on April 27, 1947, where Barbara was also baptized and confirmed. Shortly after they got married, they moved to a farm in Ellington Township, Dodge County. They spent their lives farming and raising their family of five boys and five girls. Barbara and Dwayne always had a variety of animals, including their beloved Arabian horse named Gaze and their loyal German Shepherd companion, Boadie.
Barbara loved reading and is well known for reading Winnie the Pooh stories to her children and grandchildren. No one can match the character voices she created. She also loved to sew, knit, and crochet. Each time a new grandchild or great grandchild was born, Barbara would crochet a newborn set to celebrate. Her family was lovingly warmed by the hats, scarves, and mittens she knit. Her many afghans and quilts will be a reminder of her love.
Barbara loved cooking, gardening, and canning as well as travel. Barbara loved music and she passed that gift along to many of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, playing piano and singing her favorite Methodist hymns to all of them.
Barbara was active in the United Methodist Church teaching Sunday School, serving on many committees, and working with youth. Barbara worked with the United Methodist Women in Owatonna UMC from 1947 to 1963 and in West Concord UMC from 1963 until it closed.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dwayne Benda, brother, Donald Paustian, sister, Miriam Welch, grandson, James Patrick Keel, and grandson-in-law, Adam Schaefer.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Donna Wavrin, her 10 children, Robert (Joani) Benda, Joy Roth, Susan (Tom) Keel, Merrilee (John) Hamerlinck, Debra Way, Craig (Mary Jane) Benda, Mark Benda, Steven (Angie) Benda, Terry (Sheila) Benda, and Holly (Shawn) Busby.
Her 22 grandchildren Heidi (Chris) Leathers, Sarah (Matthew Johnson) Roth, Nicholas (Kristina) Roth, Ryan (Jessa) Keel, Andy (Vanessa Vogl) Hamerlinck, Geoffrey (Katy Collier) Hamerlinck, Barbara (Nathan) Irish, Jason (Laura) Benda, Cortnie Benda, Brooke (Levi) Ranvek, Mallory Elwood, Dillon (McKenzie) Benda, Hunter (Rebecca) Benda, Mariah (Hilman Speltz) Benda, Megan Schaefer, Slade (Tyler) Benda, Ethan Benda, Joshua (Rachel) Benda, Derek (Kayla) Benda, Arianna (Charles Van Ginkel Mourelo) Winkle, Edward ReMine, and Samuel ReMine.
Her 23 great grandchildren Beau and Brooks Leathers, Dorian Strelow, Eli and Ivy Irish, Logan and Sadie Benda, Parker Benda, Jaeger and Floyd Ranvek, Rosalind, Bennett, and Tyrnan Elwood, Joscalyn Benda, Elaine Speltz, Holden and Kai Schaefer, Hendrix and Hudson Benda, Charles Benda, Khloe and Kinzlie Benda, and December New Baby Benda and many nieces and nephews.
Her long and active life of service was a blessing to so many. She will always be greatly missed, but her unending love and our many wonderful memories will fill our hearts forever.
Family received friends Sunday, August 25th, at Michaelson Funeral Home, 204 Eugene Street, West Concord, from 2 pm – 4 pm. Funeral Services took place Monday, at 1:30 pm at United Methodist Church, 401 Main Street, West Concord, with a visitation one hour prior to service. Burial followed in Forest Hill Cemetery, Owatonna.
