Sharon C. Benson

Sharon C. Benson, age 77 of Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday morning, February 4, 2017, at United Hospital in St. Paul. Sharon Carol, the daughter of Herbert and Ione (Hauge) Broberg, was born on April 1, 1939, in St. Paul. She graduated with the class of 1956 from Alexander-Ramsey High School in Roseville and continued her education at Mankato State University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Education. While in college, Sharon met the love of her life, Gary Benson; they were later married on June 24, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Paul. They first lived in Faribault and later moved to St. Paul. She and Gary then moved to Hastings in 1975 where she continued to enjoy raising their children. In 1984, Sharon began working for Dakota County in Hastings and in 2001 retired as the Training Coordinator. Sharon loved her family dearly and was an avid supporter of her grandchildrens activities. She cherished her friends and enjoyed playing bridge among many other activities. She was an active member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church where she attended Bible study on a regular basis and taught Sunday School for over twenty years. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Sonja Campbell. Sharon is survived by her husband, Gary of Hastings; her children, Lynn (Patrick) Carroll of Eagan, Steve (Cindy) Benson of Hastings, Laurie (Mark) Reding of Inver Grove Heights, and Kristin (Levi) Muhl of Hastings; her grandchildren, Mollie, John, Maddie, Jake, Sam, Caroline, Joey, Lauren, and Mason; her brother, David (Sue) Broberg of Arizona; her brothers-in-law, Caryl Campbell of Owatonna and Gale (Kathy) Benson of Apple Valley; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017, at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Hastings, with Reverend Doug Duin officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings. One of Sharon's favorite meals will be served in the church fellowship hall following the services. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services in Hastings, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday afternoon. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings.