Funeral services for Darlene “Dar” Benson, 78, will be 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at the Grand Meadow Lutheran Church in Grand Meadow with the Rev Ann Siverling officiating. Burial will be in the Grand Meadow Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Hindt Funeral Home in Grand Meadow and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Mrs. Benson, 78, of Grand Meadow, died Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the home of her daughter in Grand Meadow following a lengthy illness.

Darlene Pearl Rierson was born Oct. 14, 1932, in Belmond, Iowa, to Harold and Anna (Frohling) Rierson. She attended and graduated from Belmond High School in 1950 and was united in marriage to Dale Benson on Feb. 14, 1951, also in Belmond. Together they had three children, Denny, Dave and Darcy. In 1953, they moved to Grand Meadow following Dale’s discharge from the military (Korean War). They lived in the Grand Meadow area until their deaths. Dale died on June 11, 1999. Dar was a homemaker and also held various jobs throughout her life. She was well known for painting and wall papering; she bowled for many years in league in Austin (and was very good), and she played on the women softball league. She enjoyed her flower gardens, singing in church, animals, playing cards (cribbage, 500 bridge or any other card game) and playing catch with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed attending many sporting events, supporting, watching and spending time with her grandchildren. Dar was known to everyone around town as “Grandma Dar.”

Dar was a member of the Grand Meadow Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, was a member of the church council and WELCA and served as president of each, and was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children, Denny (Sheila) Benson of Grand Meadow, Dave Benson of Rochester and Darcy (Terry) Hanken of Grand Meadow; grandchildren, Christy Benson of Grand Meadow, Alex, Garrett and Josh Benson of Rochester, Brynn, Ethan and Hailey Hanken of Grand Meadow, Rene’ Durhman and Heather Fabian both of Grand Meadow and Shelley Kraling of Preston; great-grandchildren, Steve, Mark and Audra Durhman and Colten and Kendyl Kraling and special friends, Doc and Norma Klaehn of Elkton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, Duane. Condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.