Clara (Bonnie) Benghauser

Clara (Bonnie) Benghauser, age 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, February 19, 2010, at home in Black River. Bonnie was born in Detroit on April 7, 1913, to Nelson and Ola (Inman) Burnett and was raised in Ferndale, MI. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University and taught for several years in the Detroit area. She married Floyd (“Bing”) Benghauser on October 28, 1938, in Ferndale. They moved to Alcona County in 1953 and Bonnie taught elementary, junior high, and high school in the Alcona Community Schools from 1954 until her retirement in 1975. Bonnie was a member of the Spruce Presbyterian Church where she was an elder, Sunday school teacher, and active in the Women’s Association. At the time of her death, Bonnie was a member of the “Domestic Engineers,” an MSU Home Extension group that she helped organize. She was also a member of the Alcona Historical Society and involved in the restoration of the Sturgeon Point lighthouse and Bailey School. She was a board member for 23 years of the Alcona County chapter of the American Red Cross. She was also a 4-H leader and an original organizer of the Craftmakers Cabin in Harrisville. In 1988 Bonnie was elected Alcona County Homemaker of the Year. Bonnie loved God and was unwavering in her Presbyterian faith. She lived her faith daily, showing compassion charity, and love unconditionally. She was fiercely dedicated to her family and loved the time she spent with her extended family. She especially enjoyed quilting, knitting, sewing, crossword puzzles, and mystery novels. " Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband “Bing” who died in 1995. She is survived by daughters Karen King of Charleston, SC, and Kristin (Dan Lechel) Benghauser of Black River, and sons Karl (Katie) Benghauser of Lansing and Kurt (Bensie) Benghauser of Traverse City. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Her body is being donated for research purposes to the Michigan State University medical school. A memorial service will be held on at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2010, at the Spruce Presbyterian Church, 6230 Gillard Rd., Spruce, MI. “Well done good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Spruce Presbyterian Church or the Alcona Historical Society. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Clara (Bonnie) Benghauser, please visit our flower store.