Eileen Benesh

About Eileen

Eileen Kay Benesh, 84, of Bagley, Minnesota, flew on angel’s wings to Heaven on Monday, May 23, 2022. She passed away at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, surrounded by her family.

Eileen was born May 24, 1937, in Bagley, Minnesota to parents Magnus and Marion Friborg. Being the oldest in her family, Eileen was an amazing caretaker and always watched over her younger siblings. Eileen attended country school in Ebro and then completed high school in Bagley graduating in 1955.

In 1955, Eileen was introduced to Frankie Benesh at the Clearwater County Fair and it was love at first sight. Frankie and Eileen were married December 28, 1955, in Lengby, Minnesota. Adventures that followed included moving to Fargo, ND, to work in the grocery store; moving to Plentywood, Montana, to work on a ranch; and then returning to Minnesota to find her forever home.

Frankie and Eileen farmed near Alida, Minnesota for the next 44 years. During that time, Frankie and Eileen enjoyed raising and cherishing their five children. Eileen was always the farmer’s wife and helped to make sure the house and farm ran smoothly. Eileen also worked outside the farm including various jobs at Nelson Eggs, Clerk for Bear Creek Township, Supervalu, Bemidji Veterinary Hospital (for 23 years), and Clearwater County Nursing Service (for 17 years). Frankie and Eileen also worked as caretakers and managers at Otterkill Garden Apartments in Bagley, Minnesota.

Eileen, always the caretaker, was a hard worker and was so kind. Everyone she knew would describe her as nice, and caring, and a wonderful lady. She was always looking out for others. Her number one passion in this world was being a Christian. She loved and followed Jesus and she treasured going to church. She was a member of Alida Lutheran Church and later (currently) a member of Grace Free Lutheran Church in Bagley, Minnesota. Through the years, she was a Sunday School Teacher, served on different committees, co-chaired the ladies aid, made quilts, sang with the choir, and worked as a greeter. Eileen attended Bible Study and loved to pray. As long as she was in church, it was a great day! One of her most cherished jobs was being a praying Grandma and making sure she prayed for her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Another passion for Eileen was being a mother. She took care of her five children like no one else could. She was determined that her children would be raised as responsible, good, and hardworking people and she did her job very well! She ensured all of this was done with a sense of humor and an endless love that inspired her children to know they could do anything they chose to do and that she would be the best cheerleader standing behind them 100% of the time. She was a mother who was always kind and loving.

Eileen thoroughly enjoyed going to her 1955 Class Reunions; spending time with her friends; worshipping with her Church Family; and being a member of the Bagley American Legion Post #16 Auxiliary. Favorite pastimes for Eileen included: Reading, Sewing, Embroidery, Quilting, Baking, and working in her Flower Garden.

Eileen was loved tremendously, and she will be missed just as much. Every time we think of her, our heart breaks a little more knowing she is not here with us but wishing she was. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that she is happily in the arms of her loving caretaker, our Lord and Savior Jesus. Blessed be Eileen’s awesome memory of a wonderful lady and a life well lived. Eileen loved well and was well loved by her family. We will miss her immensely and remember her always.

Eileen is survived by: Daughter Linda Kemper of Bemidji, Minnesota (and her son Christopher of Hermantown, MN, and his children Carter and Paisley); Daughter Lori Johnson of Fargo, ND (and her daughter Sarah (Jonathan) and their children Cullen and Blakely). Son Leslie (Becky) Benesh of Shelbyville, IN (and their children Uriah (and his son Andrew), Brooke (Matt) & baby coming in 11/2022, and Brandon); Son Lane (Kathy) Benesh of St. Cloud, MN (and their children Ashley and Isaac); and Daughter Lana (Darwin) Jacobson of Grand Rapids, MN (and their children Paige and Adam); Brothers: Don (Deb) Friborg of Bagley, MN; and Ken (Dianna) Friborg of Bagley, MN. Sisters-in-Law: Betty Johnson of Bagley, MN; Henrietta Erickson of Brainerd, MN, Shirley Klongerbo of Titusville, FL; Lorraine Benesh of Alexandria, MN; brother-in-law David (Sherry) Benesh of Portland, Oregon; numerous nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her Husband of 65 years Frankie Benesh (who passed away November 13, 2020); her parents (Magnus and Marion Friborg); her sisters Karen (Milo) Fultz and infant sister Virginia Friborg; sisters-in-law Lil Sauer, Mary (Oscar) Netland; brothers-in-law Johnnie Benesh, Bennie Benesh, Wencil (Mickey) Benesh, Duane Johnson, Rueben Bergquist, Mel Sauer, Phillip Erickson, Ed (Lois) Benesh, Fred Benesh, and Hank Benesh; great granddaughter Isabella Sophia Kemper.

Special Thanks to Pastor Todd Klemme for his visits and for sharing about our awesome God with Eileen. Also, thank you to Pastor Wayne Hjermstad, who graciously agreed to officiate Eileen’s celebration of life service.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Eileen

May 27, 2021

Grace Free Lutheran Church 642 Main Ave N, Bagley, MN 56621, USA

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be held at Bagley City Cemetery in Bagley, Minnesota.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home