Leona M. Benson

Leona M. Benson, age 92, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on October 14, 1928, in Stambaugh, MI, one of 12 children to the late Stephen and Rose (Kanevcevich) Gurchinoff and was proud of her Bulgarian heritage. She attended the Stambaugh Schools, graduating with the Class of 1946. Leona married John “Jack” Benson on October 16, 1952, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River. The couple celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in 2020. Jack passed away on October 30, 2021. Over the years, Leona was employed at the bra and girdle factory as a seamstress for H.W. Gossard Co. in Ishpeming, MI, at the Red Owl, as a cook for Alice’s Supper Club, and as ad editor for the Iron County Reporter. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. Leona enjoyed cooking, trips to the casino, traveling, and visiting with relatives. She was fondly remembered as Shorty. Leona is survived by her sons, Jack (Julie) Benson, Donald (Cathy) Benson, and Robert (Laurie) Benson, all of Iron River, MI; grandchildren, Jeremy, Haley, Eric, Ryan, Brandon, Dylan, Jacob, and Christian; great grandchilden, Alexis, Natalie, and Grayson; brothers, James (Diana) Gurchinoff and Tom (Mary Ann) Gurchinoff; sisters, Pauline Jagemann and Lois (Merwyn) Williams; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Stanley, George, twin Leo “Lefty”, Peter, Steven, and Donald “Poncho” Gurchinoff and her sister, Sylvia Esbrook. A combined visitation for Jack and Leona will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021, from 11:00am to noon at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River. A prayer service will follow at noon with Deacon Terry Verville to officiate. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leona M. Benson, please visit our flower store.