Denise Larae Benson, 58, of Austin, died Monday, July 15, 2013, at Centegra Hospital, Woodstock, Ill.

She was born Sept. 2, 1954, in Austin, Minn., to Lawrence V. and Dorothy M. (Johnson) Benson. A 1973 graduate of Austin High School, Denise entered the United States Air Force following graduation and met her future husband, Gary Emch, during her military service. The couple married in Spokane, Wa. and resided in various places throughout the United States and Canada. Gary and Denise were married for 18 years. Denise eventually returned to Austin to care for her parents. She spent most of her career as a certified occupational therapist assistant, and worked at Sacred Heart Assisted Living as a nurse’s aide. She recently received her Bachelor of Science degree. A member of the American Legion Post 91, Denise enjoyed gardening, shopping, sewing, crafts, and spending time with friends and family.

Survivors include her son Sean Emch of Woodstock, Ill., and her daughter Laura (Niklas) Lifors of New York City; four grandchildren Ryan, Evan, Alex, and Rachael; three brothers Tom Benson, Bill (Pam) Benson, and Paul Benson, all of Austin; her niece Maggie; aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Dorothy Benson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2013, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Rev. Karl Dalager officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in Red Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Austin, with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.

Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.