Virginia Benson

Mary Ann “Virginia” Benson of Alexandria passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Nelson Gables.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, 4:00-6:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Friday, July 24, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 AM at Grace Church in Alexandria (1704 Hazel Hill Road SE, Alexandria) with a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM. Private family burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.

Virginia was born on December 30, 1933, in Kansas City, MO to Karl William & Anna (Akerstrom) Enstrom. Her family moved to Chicago during WWII as her father was drafted to work at Boeing Aircraft. They moved to Alexandria in 1941. Virginia accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior on March 16, 1944. Jesus has led her faithfully for over 80 years. Virginia graduated from Alexandria High School in 1951. She took a year from school as her family returned to Sweden for a long visit. She worked at American Hoist and Derrick in St. Paul when she returned. She attended Bethel College for one year. In January 1953, she and her Dad were in a serious auto accident. She moved home from college to help take care of her Dad and help her Mom manage their store, Enstrom Swedish Imports which they later renamed Viking Gift Shop in downtown Alexandria. She worked there until 1967. Virginia married Burdell Benson on August 20, 1960, at First Baptist Church in Alexandria. They were blessed with two children: Barbara and Larry. Virginia was an active member of First Baptist Church in Alexandria for over 50 years. She was a member of the choir, taught Sunday School, deaconess, was active in women’s ministry, and served on numerous boards and committees. Burdell and Virginia later became active members at Grace Church in Alexandria. She was the past president of the Brush & Palette Club of Alex as well as President of the Douglas County Hospital Women’s Auxiliary. She worked for Douglas County Hospital managing their gift shop and volunteers for 10 years. She then went to work at Anderson Florist and managed their gift shop at the mall. Burdell & Virginia enjoyed traveling, playing games, visiting with friends, and serving their church. Virginia shared her faith with anyone and was known as a faithful prayer warrior. She would often pray for others before anyone could ever pray for her. Her biggest joy and love were spending time with family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Karl William & Anna Enstrom; her infant brother, John Enstrom; and her beloved husband of 57 years, Burdell on April 13, 2018. She is survived by Barb (Kent) Hagen of Andover, MN and Larry (Peggy) Benson of Alexandria; 6 grandchildren, Brianna Benson, Stig Benson, Joshua (Annie) Hagen, Caleb (Brenda) Hagen, Zachary Hagen & Kalena Tamura, and Kailey (Shawn) Singh; 4 great grandchildren who lovingly called her Gigi, Taylor & Marshall Hagen and Rowan & Milo Singh; along with a beloved niece and nephews.

Pallbearers are her grandchildren, Brianna Benson, Stig Benson, Joshua Hagen, Caleb Hagen, Zachary Hagen and Kailey Singh. Memorials are preferred to Grace Baptist, Alexandria, MN or The Gideons International. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, 4:00 - 6:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Friday, July 24, 2026, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Grace Church in Alexandria with a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Private family burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.