Dolores C. Benusa

Dolores C. (Reuter) Benusa, age 95, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at her home.

She was born on December 16, 1930, in Waumandee, WI, to Adam and Alvina (Justin) Reuter, Sr. Dolores graduated from the Arcadia High School and was also a proud graduate of the College of St. Teresa in Winona.

On January 30, 1954, Dolores was united in marriage with Joseph S. Benusa at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waumandee, and he preceded her in death on August 28, 2020.

Dolores and Joe farmed in Waumandee from 1955 to 1969, and through their jobs, relocated to Madison, WI, Minneapolis, MN, and Atlanta, GA. She worked for many years in accounting and human resources, with her longest position as a benefits specialist with the American Cancer Society. Retirement brought Dolores and Joe to Hot Springs Village, AR, Chetek, WI, and finally to Winona.

Dolores will be remembered for her enjoyment of stamping, making beaded jewelry, dancing, and volunteering at the Winona Food Shelf. She was a member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.

Dolores is lovingly survived by her children: Joseph G. (Margaret) Benusa, Sun Prairie, WI; Cynthia (Leon) Bork, Waumandee, WI; Thomas Benusa, Le Center, MN; and Gerald (Ilana) Benusa, River Falls, WI; five grandchildren: Jennifer (Russ) Fernholz, Brian Bork, Brianna (Guy) Ladron, Kristin Benusa, and Michael (Amber) Benusa; great-grandchildren: Claire, Elizabeth, and Evelyn Fernholz; and Charlee and Rolland Benusa; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; son, David; great-grandchildren: Emily and Anna Fernholz; her parents; sisters: Marion Yoakam and Patricia Killian; and brothers: Adam, Cletus, and Robert Reuter.

Visitation will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waumandee, WI, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to help the disabled veterans through the American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Dolores’ family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.