Barbara A. Benda

Barbara Angeline Benda, 86, of Crystal Falls, passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Barbara was born in Crystal Falls on March 13, 1932 to Joseph and Aili (Holmes) Benda. She attended high school in Crystal Falls and graduated with the class of 1950. After a brief employment at the City Drug Store, she worked for the Cloverland Contracting Company until its closure in 1967. Barbara then joined the managerial staff of the City of Crystal Falls, first as a Deputy Clerk and then as City Clerk/Treasurer, a position she held until her retirement in 1994. Barbara was a lifelong member of United Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir. She was also a member of the Women's International Bowling Association as well as the Crystal View Women's Golf league. Barbara greatly enjoyed performing in V-J Day local variety shows and was a frequent volunteer at the St. Vincent DePaul Store. Barbara was a true animal lover and had many pets throughout her life. Her most recent dog Heidi, who passed before her, was the love of her life and a constant companion for 16 years. She loved watching the wildlife and enjoyed the deer, birds, and squirrels that frequented her yard. She actively supported many animal shelters and rescues. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Edna Skibo. She is survived by her nephew, Mark Rocheleau and wife Karlyn of Arcata, California; niece Tracey (Skibo) and husband Rusty Wiggins, Gwinn, Mi. ; great nephew Tristan Rocheleau and wife Sarah of Berkeley, CA. great nephew James Schmidt of Joplin, Missouri; great niece Sophie Rocheleau of Arcata, CA ; brother-in-law Eugene Skibo of Gwinn Mi.; special cousins Dawn (Vern) Schnulle of Punta Gorda, Fl, Karen Pearson, Donna Vassar, Carol Maroney, and Jackie Nylund, all of Crystal Falls, and Jacqueline (Eddie) Wilch of Worth, Illinois; four godsons, Bart and David Schnulle, Jim Pearson, Jr., and Dr. Bill Williamson; special aunt Norma Holmes; and special friend Angela Jones. Barbara will be remembered as generous and loyal, with a wry sense of humor. She was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed. Vistation will be on Tuesday, May 29th from 9:00-11:00am at United Lutheran Church of Crystal Falls. Memorial services will follow at 11:00am at the church. Rev. Micheal Laakko will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. Condolences to the family of Barbara Benda may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Barbara A. Benda

March 13, 1932 - April 5, 2018