Mavis A. Benson

Mavis Arlene Benson, 79 of Winona, died on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Mavis was born on June 20, 1944, at home in Ashby, MN to Milton and Olga Amundson.  

After high school, Mavis became a med tech and lived in Oregon and Minnesota.  While living in the Twin Cities, she met Dwayne “Dewey” Benson. On February 14, 1974, they married.   Together they made their home in Bloomington, MN.  In October of 1975, they welcomed a son, Todd.  In 1977, they moved to Winona to begin a life there.  In 1978, they welcomed a second son, Timothy.  

Mavis was an avid bowler and was involved in several leagues from 1977 until almost 2020.   Mavis was a stay at home mom and actively volunteered at the boy’s schools until entering back into the workforce in the late 1980’s.  Mavis worked part-time in the lab at Froedtert Malt (now Malt Europe) and eventually taking over and running the lab.  Mavis also worked part-time at the former Winona Knits retail store.

Mavis was very involved in the bowling community early on in three leagues and then with the WBA Board as President.  She was later inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame.  For many years Mavis went to state and national bowling tournaments.   Mavis had a special place in her heart for the family cabin on Ottertail Lake in Northern Minnesota.  She enjoyed spending time up there.  Mavis was also an avid card player and was involved in several card groups over the years.  She met a lot of wonderful friends over the years.

When Mavis was diagnosed with stage 4 bone cancer in 2018, she didn’t let it stop her and fought it to the end.  She will be sadly missed.  

Mavis is survived by her sons: Todd (Kari) Benson and Tim Benson; step-children: Randy Benson, Brad (Peg) Benson and Pam (Wayne) Fjersted; grandchildren: Candice, Tyler, Nick, Leo and Alli; sister, Marilyn (Curt) Larsen; Niece, Michelle (Brian) Swan; Nephew, Scott (Lizanne) Larsen; and her dog companion, Senora.  

Mavis is preceded in death by her husband, Dewey, and her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held for both Mavis and her husband, Dewey, from 1 PM until 4 PM, on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the American Legion in Winona.