Dorothy Benjamin

Dorothy “Dottie” Benjamin, 77, of Minocqua died on May 4, 2010. She was born to Roy and Agatha (Gottsacker) Chambers on April 29, 1933 in Sparta, WI. Her childhood was spent on a family farm near Valley Junction, WI with her 8 brothers and 4 sisters. She attended a one-room grade school with her siblings, and was a 1951 graduate of Tomah High School. She married Donald Benjamin, Sr. on January 30th, 1954 and they moved to Fall River, MA where Don served in the US Navy. They later moved to Janesville, WI where their four children were born. In 1960 the family moved to Minocqua. Don and Dottie established Benjamin’s Greenery in 1970. They operated the family business for 36 years. Dottie appreciated working with the beauty of nature and sharing it with her wonderful customers and friends. She loved sharing her knowledge and enjoyment of gardening. Many people will remember Dottie as a waitress at Mama’s Italian restaurant where she worked for 20 years. She loved the people she worked with and the customers who returned every summer. Dottie lived her faith and was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Minocqua since 1960, where she served on the church council and in education. She taught confirmation classes for 35 years as a way to share her faith with children. Dottie had a kind and gentle heart. She loved her family, cherished her grandchildren and valued and nurtured her friendships. She shared her time and talents in many community and world causes. She was generous and caring to all she met. Dorothy leaves behind Donald, her husband of 56 years; children, Melinda Benjamin (John Forrest), Stephanie Spencer (Dan) and CJ Benjamin (Joan); grandchildren, Tyler Benjamin, Matthew Forrest and Claire Forrest. She is also survived by brothers Everett (Joanne) Chambers, and Delmer (Carole) Chambers, and sister Eileen Schoenbeck. She was preceded in death by son Donald Benjamin Jr. and daughter-in-law, Patricia (Ginter) Benjamin; parents Roy and Agatha Chambers; brothers Otis, James, Basil, Marvin, Luisch, and Joseph; sisters Lotis Tessman, Eulia Morrow, and Dorles McGinnis. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 8th, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church, Minocqua, WI. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to service. Memorials are suggested to Calvary Lutheran Church or Howard Young Medical Center Foundation, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, in Dorothy’s name.

Dorothy Benjamin

April 29, 1933 - May 4, 2010