Funeral Service for Gail Avonne Benson, 87 of Sisseton, SD will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at the Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD with Pastor Kyle Monteth officiating. Organist will June Evenson. Pall Bearers will be Dean Benson, Dale Benson, Joel Odland, Todd Anderson, Terry Peterson, and Ron Renelt.  Honorary Pall Bearers will be all of Gail's Friends. Interment will be in the Goodwill Cemetery Sisseton, SD. There will be visitation on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Cahill Funeral Chapel from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., and one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday at the Cahill Funeral Chapel. The Cahill Funeral chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Gail Avonne (Richardt) Benson, 87, beloved mother and grandmother passed. away on July 26, 2024, at Tekakwitha Living Center in Sisseton, SD. Gail was born August 8, 1936, to Erwin and Myrtle (Swenson) Richardt in Webster, SD. She attended grade school in Minneapolis, MN; Ortley, SD; then Graceville, MN where she later graduated from high school. To fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a nurse, she then attended nursing school at St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, MN and graduated in 1957. She married Clifford Benson, Jr. in Sisseton, SD that same year. The couple welcomed their son David in 1962, and they raised their family on their farm outside of Sisseton, SD. Gail worked as a skilled and celebrated surgical nurse at the Public Health hospital, Community Hospital and Clinic, and Coteau Des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton, SD for over 28 years. Gail had a passion for nursing and was driven by her faith to serve her community. and those in need. Gail was a talented pianist and oil painter, and she was a true artist. When asked. her favorite color, she would reply, "all of them" and her paintings -many of flowers and landscapes- reflected the beauty she saw in the world. Gail was a wonderful host and loved to entertain, and she hosted many card parties at her home where she enjoyed. playing bridge with her friends and family. In their retirement Gail and Cliff traveled across the United States, to Hawaii, and throughout Canada with tour groups, and they enjoyed learning about the local customs. and history of the places they visited together. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Stavig House Museum in Sisseton, SD.

Gail is preceded in death by her husband Clifford to whom she was happily married for over 56 years, her parents, and grandparents. She is survived by one son, David Benson and his wife Tara Benson, Tara's grandchildren Darlene and Gracie of Sisseton, SD and one granddaughter Alyssa Benson and her husband Jan Paul Kaim of Fairfield, CT.