FITCHBURG - Mary Jane Benson, age 71, of Fitchburg, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on September 4, 1953, in Preston, Minn., the daughter of Ellsworth and Alice (Gobert) McFarland.

Mary Jane grew up in Southeast Rochester, Minn., and graduated from Mayo High School in 1971. She had many jobs over the years, but her favorite was working at a stable in Seattle, Wash. She often spoke of the trainers, horses and her beloved Banchory B. Mary Jane worked at the Minnesota Highway Department and milked cows for many years on the farm in Freeburg, Minn. Her final job was a Compliance Specialist for Oakbrook Corporation, retiring in January 2025. She enjoyed learning compliance laws and helping her tenants.

Mary Jane cherished the time spent with her beloved grandchildren and attending their sporting events and school concerts. Recently, she was able to celebrate the marriage of her oldest grandson, Noah. Mary Jane had a deep love for nature, often taking walks to explore its beauty. She loved her trips to Florida with her sister; she would spend hours on the beach enjoying the ocean. Another of Mary Jane’s favorite things to do was attend church on Sundays with her sister, Pat, then go out for breakfast and a little shopping. Mary Jane also had a love for animals and had many pets over the years, her most recent a rescue cat, named Chloe.

Mary Jane is survived by her daughters, Sunny (Brian) Lange, Ali (Joseph) Jennings and Heather (Travis) Klingaman; grandchildren, Garner, Cael and Westin Lange, Noah (Heidi) Jennings and Lydia Jennings, and Addison and Sawyer Klingaman; sister, Patricia Rush; and brother, Peter (Kristy) McFarland. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellsworth and Alice McFarland; her daughter’s father, Roger Benson; and brother-in-law, Don Rush.

A private service will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made out to Alcoholics Anonymous or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road

Fitchburg, Wis.
(608) 442-5002

Mary Benson

September 04, 1953 - April 29, 2025

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