Alice Benjamin

Alice R. Benjamin, age 96, of Hastings, died August 1, 2009 at the Regina Nursing Home.Alice was born May 16, 1913 in Randolph, MN to Algot and Rosetta Edstrom. She graduated from Randolph High School and the Normal Teaching School in Cannon Falls. Alice married Clinton Benjamin in 1933 and lived the next 76 years in Hastings. She was a substitute elementary school teacher until 1959 when she and her husband bought the Parkway Grocery Store on Maple Street. Her summers were filled serving a generation of kids who visited her store for penny candy after a swim in the local pool.In 1977, Alice received the �Outstanding Religious Leader� award presented by the Jaycees in recognition of her 30 years as Sunday School Superintendent at Our Saviour�s Lutheran Church. She was a member of Sons of Norway, the Hospital Auxiliary, Senior Center, was a charter member of the OSEL Altar Guild, and served on numerous school, civic, and church committees. She always found time to attend her grandchildren and great grandchildren�s musical and athletic events. For over 50 years, she sat on the 50 yard line at Todd Field to cheer for the Raiders. Her hands were always busy as she crocheted and did needlepoint work for Christmas, wedding, and baptismal gifts.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; great grandchild, Anna Rose Soleim; sons-in-law, Roy Dahl and Paul Schoen; brother, Kenneth Edstrom; and sister, Marie Childs.Alice is survived by her daughters, LaVonne (Clarence �Skip�) Soleim of Hastings, Phyllis (Richard) Hoffmann of Prescott, Charlotte Schoen of Hastings, Ruth Dahl of Hastings, and Janelle (Michael) Woog of Hastings; 15 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.The visitation for Alice will be from 4-8PM Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at Our Saviour�s Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 W. 9th St., Hastings. Memorial Gathering 3-4PM Wednesday, August 5, 2009 followed by a Memorial Service, officiated by Rev. Lloyd Menke, at 4PM. Private interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings. Her 6 grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Memorials arepreferred to Our Saviour's Ev. LutheranChurch,or Joy Lutheran Church, Prescott.