Teresa Anna (Benning) Wagner

About Teresa

Teresa Anna was born on March 9, 1952 in Long Prairie Minnesota, the daughter of John and Anna (Hoelscher) Benning. Teresa, one of twelve Benning children, graduated from Browerville High School and soon after moved to the twin cities to work. It was while home visiting family back in Todd County that friends introduced her to Mr. Michael (Porter) Wagner. The two fell in love and were married on September 3, 1977. The young couple eventually moved back home to rural Browerville and started farming. This was the perfect area to raise their five children, Sara, Becki, Stacy, Jake and Hannah. When Teresa was not spending time with the love of her life or taking care of the children she was doing farm work, playing softball, enjoying the outdoors and always up for a heated game of cards with a good laugh. She also had a large garden and enjoyed making meals for her family and friends. And oh those buns… She was an avid sewer and crafter. She used her sewing talent to make her own wedding gown, her bridesmaid's dresses, her girls holiday outfits and all the flower girls dresses in her children’s weddings. She has made quilts and blankets for all her family ensuring that they will always be wrapped in her love. Teresa was the mom that attended every activity of her kids and grandkids, enjoying every minute. Her family was her everything. This selfless, amazingly talented, fun wife/mother/grandma was THE BEST! Her passing has created an unfillable void to all that loved and knew her.

On Sunday, March 20, 2022, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer, Teresa left her home on earth to meet her Lord in heaven. She leaves behind her husband of 44 years, Michael of rural Browerville; their children, Sara (Sam) Woods of Otsego, Becki (Carl) Enger of St. Francis, Stacy (Reed) Hendrickson of Otsego, Jake (Sheila) Wagner of Becker and Hannah (Justin) Browen of Elk River; grandchildren, Hayden, Kinsley, Waylon, Kendrick, Leo, Henry, Henley and Harlow; Teresa’s siblings; (Monica) Benning, Jim (LaVonne) Benning, Leo Benning, Rita (Jim) Pfeilsticker, Bob (Linda) Benning, Dave (JoAnn) Benning, Dick Benning, Fred (Dee) Benning, Ed (Donna) Benning, Rosie (Al) Ploof, and Judy (John) Noska.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Benning; mother and father-in-law, Ed and Jeannine Wagner; brother, Don Benning; sister-in-law, Laura Benning; brother-in-law, Dick Kazeck and nephews; Dennis, Steve and Jeff.

memorial service

Funeral Service

March 26, 2022

Sacred Heart Catholic Church 310 4th St NE, Staples, MN 56479, USA

Visitation will be on Friday, March 25 from 4:30-7:00 pm, with a prayer service starting at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Iten Funeral Home