Kathryn Carol Benesh

NOTICE: Rock Rapids, IA Kathryn Carol Benesh, age 100 of Rock Rapids, IA died Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at Lyon Manor Nursing and Rehab Center of Rock Rapids. Services will be planned for a later date. Kathryn Carol Benesh was born December 25, 1909 in Hull, IA, the daughter of John and Gertrude (Van De Berg) De Roos. She was raised in the Hull area and graduated from Wilson High School in Rock Rapids, IA. She continued her education receiving a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Morningside College in Sioux City, IA in 1931. On November 30, 1933 she was united in marriage to Richard L. Benesh in Minneapolis, MN. To this union two children were born, Richard Jr. and Carol. The couple lived and worked in various cities in Iowa, including Montour, Wadena, Oran, Bristow, Radcliffe and Rock Rapids. Kathryn was an accomplished pianist, vocalist, choir director and vocal teacher. She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Rock Rapids, Lyon County Historical Society and Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association. Kathryn was a breeder of Maine Coon cats and won many Grand Championships. She was an accomplished seamstress and knitter and loved cooking and gardening. This past Tuesday, Kathryn died at Lyon Manor Nursing and Rehab in Rock Rapids at the age of 100. She is survived by son, Dr. Richard L. and his wife Michele Benesh of Brodhead, WI; daughter, Kathy Nordberg of Jacksonville, FL; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many other family members. Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Richard L. Benesh; parents, her brothers, John and Orwin De Roos; and sister, Joan Cummings. The family requests no cards or flowers but memorials may be directed toward Congregational United Church of Christ.