Kathryn A Benning

Kathryn Ann Benning went home to our Lord and Savior on October 10, 2025 surrounded by her family, after a long battle with Cancer. Visitation with the family present will be on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home from 5 to 7 PM. Her Memorial Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home.

Kathy was born on August 10, 1954 to Robert Sr. And Goldie VanDam. She was one of 12 girls and 4 boys. 

Kathy graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1972. She met the love of her life, Jerry Benning and they were United in marriage on August 26, 1972. From this Union came 2 sons and a daughter. 

Kathy was a hard worker and did everything she could to take care of her family. She worked for many years as a Production Manager at Dakota Products. 

Kathy was happiest when she was cooking and entertaining. There was never a shortage of food when Kathy was throwing the get together. No one left hungry or empty handed. Kathy and Jerry were blessed with 9 grandsons. Those boys were Kathy’s world and she loved them beyond measure. Kathy was beyond excited to learn she was going to be a great grandmother to a girl, coming in November 2025. The chance to meet her 1st Great-Grandchild gave her another reason to fight with all she had. 

Kathy loved camping, especially when all of her grandsons were with. Kathy and Jerry spent many summers camping in Lennox to be close to her family. Often attending her grandsons sporting events. She enjoyed years of Harley rides with Jerry and all of their friends. Long Poker Runs, riding along side Jason, Jamie, and Kari were often the highlight of her summer.  She eventually learned to ride her own motorcycle after taking a safety course with Kari. 

Many summer nights you could find Kathy shooting pool with Kari and her daughter-in-law, Gail. Winning “Most Fun Team” several times. Kathy liked to have fun and loved to make people smile. 

Kathy went above and beyond her calling as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, and great great aunt. Often putting the needs of others above her own. 

Kathy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jerry Benning. Her children, Jason (Gail) Benning, Jamie (Stacy) Benning, Kari (Jason) Bridges. Grandchildren, Cooper (Sabdi); Jace (Sydne); Jaxson (Breann); Cole (Kaylee); Logan (Desiree); Carter (Destiny); Ryan (Ashlyn); Evan (Rylee); and Bryce. Sisters: Bobbi (Dick) Christensen, Jeanette (Gene) Arnold,  Laurie Arbes, Shelly Buhr, Kristi (Dean) Madison, Monica Vensand (Dale), Marilyn (Rick) Williams, Marsha (David) Schlueter, Diane Van Dam, Tracy Van Dam (John). Brothers: Doug (Nedra) Van Dam & Robert Jr Van Dam and her beloved dog, Tucker. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Sr VanDam and Goldie VanDam. Brothers Rodney and Steve, and sister Valerie. 

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