Gerry Benney-Magnuson

Gerry Benney-Magnuson, 92 of Parker, passed away on October 23, 2020 at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion. Funeral Service will be 1:00 PM Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at the United Methodist Church in Parker. Visitation with no family present will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at the Church. Due to Covid-19, the family request that guests wear a mask and practice social distancing at both opportunities to celebrate Gerry’s life. Arrangements by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. The service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/ParkerUnitedMethodistChurch/ .

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church, Parker.

To view Gerry's Service, Click here : https://youtu.be/MQh4jhqd4C4

Geraldine Ann (Koller) Benney-Magnuson was born on July 5, 1928 on a farm southeast of Parker, SD. She was the eldest daughter of John and Maxine (Finley) Koller. Her elementary education was obtained in Finley District #8 in the Bremer area.

Gerry graduated from Parker High School in 1946.  She attended the South Dakota Beauty Academy of Cosmetology in Sioux Falls.  She was a freelance writer for The Hurley Leader newspaper, Hurley, SD; and The New Era in Parker, SD.

She was married to Harold Benney on July 17, 1947.   To this union four children were born Michael, Patrick, Kathryn, and Thomas. She farmed with her husband until 1987. After retiring, Harold and Gerry resided in Hurley, SD.

After Harold's passing, she moved to Turner Village in Parker, SD.  There she met Arvid Magnuson and they were married August 3, 2006.

Gerry always had a smile and a hug for everyone she met.  She collected angels and they were a large part of her faith.  She really enjoyed her time she spent with other ladies born in 1928 and they called themselves the "The 28 Club".    She also enjoyed going with both of her husbands to local sales and often added to her extensive clothing collection.   She always said she was going to win Publishers Clearing House, and while she never won Publishers, she did win a trip to the Bahamas and was pretty lucky in life.

Gerry was a member of the United Methodist church, the United Methodist Women, the Hurley Historical Society, the Myrtle Chapter #85 Eastern Star of Hurley, American Legion Women's Auxiliary of Hurley.

Gerry is survived by her children Pat (Pam) Benney, Parker, SD; Kathy (Fred) Dehring, Yankton, SD; Tom (Susan) Benney, Tea, SD; grandchildren Tammy Crager, Scott Benney, Brian (Laura) Benney, Jason (Denise) Benney, Jeff (Jess) Benney, Shelby (Anne) Boese, Amantha (Robbie) Pieper,  Missy Knight, and Shawn Dehring, 15 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren, sister Donna Friman, Loveland, CO.,  sister in laws Paula Koller, and Bernita Koller;  step-children Richard Magnuson, Elaine (Kevin) Meyers, Denise (Paul) Brost, Misty (Adam) Klein, Aaron (Darby) Magnuson; 15 step-grandchildren, and 8 step-great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. Gerry was preceded in death by her husbands Harold and Arvid, son Michael, parents John and Maxine Koller; brothers John Jr., Dale, Marlyn, Duane, Dennis; and Ronnie;  sisters Shirley, Darlene, and Patsy.