Thelma Elsie Daken

About Thelma

Thelma Elsie Daken, 84, longtime resident of Kelliher, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023 in Park Rapids, MN at Park Villa Assisted Living.

Thelma “Sammy” Benz Faure Daken was born to Edward and Hazel (Perkins) Benz on July 6, 1939. Sammy graduated from Kelliher School in 1957. She belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary, she did trap shooting at Battle River Bluffs, and she played Texas Hold ‘Em!

Sammy had a sincere love of others. She was very social and friendly. She was full of life. She loved to laugh, share a joke and a meal. She loved to dance. She loved to share what she had and be helpful to others. She was kind, compassionate, and hospitable. Sammy worked hard and could be counted on to get things done, often with much grit and determination. She could also be counted on to take time to relax, enjoy people, nature, and life in general. She was a bright light with a lot of love to share. Thank you for loving her!

Sammy was preceded in death by her mother and father; her husband, Ray Faure; a wonderful friend, Vesty Poxleitner; husband, Lyle Daken; son, Duane Faure; brothers, Arthur Benz and Jerry Benz; granddaughter, Nicole Faure; and great grandson, Grayson Green.

She leaves behind her daughter, Jody (John) Wizik; foster son, Tim Strand; step-daughter, Stacy Daken; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Rhodes; daughter-in-law, Penny Strand; son-in-law, John Syverson; sister-in-law, Anna Mae Daken; special friends, Karl and Helen Johnson, Betty Sorenson, Mike and Sue Holtz, the Poxleitners, Darla Donaldson, the Bieganek and Johnsrud kyds; 11 grandkids; 16 great grandkids; many wonderful friends; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sammy worked at Kemmer’s Café, Daken’s Café, The Road Runner, Kelliher Nursing Home, Kelliher Shopping Center, and drove bus for Kelliher School. She was a cook at the Kelliher School for nearly 30 years. She retired in 2001. She said often that she missed all the kids on the bus and all the kids who ate lunch at school and called them all GREAT KYDS.

memorial service

Funeral Mass for Thelma

December 1, 2023

St Patrick's Catholic Church 131 5th St NE, Kelliher, MN 56650, USA

Visitation is for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home