Marie G. Benthin

Marie G. Benthin, age 83, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. on  Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.  Pastor Steve Biswell will officiate. Music will be provided by A.J. Sherrill as pianist.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Marie was born on April 8, 1941, to Edward and Elsie (Swanson) Wilson in Chicago, IL. 

On February 17, 1979, Marie married Greg Benthin in Moline, IL.  The couple lived in Bettendorf, IA until moving to the surrounding community of Watertown on their Benthin Quarter Horse Ranch in the fall of 1979.   Marie worked as a Nutritionist for the Codington County Extension Office until her early retirement.

Marie was an amazing woman who lived a full life, she never met a stranger, and had a heart of Gold.  She lived selflessly, and gave so much to others.  She wasn't only a mom to her kids, but a mom to all of their friends and extended families.  Crafts were always at the top of the list when grandkids would come stay for the summer.

Her father was the Caption of the Calvary Division and died in WWII.  Marie developed her love of horses and as a teenager enjoyed riding with her sister Carol at the Chicago Forest Preserve thru many miles of trails and open meadows.

Many years were spent with her husband camping in the Black Hills and riding the trails with their friends and family.  She would set up hollow log fires to end the days.  She was the best camp cook and taught many her methods of "dutch oven" cooking. Her cooking skills were utilized in many facets of life.  As a Girl Scout Leader, she taught many young girls about campfire cooking.  As a nutritionist, she visited area schools during the summer and taught cooking through the "Food with Fun" program.  Her lunch stands at local events were always a crowd pleaser. As a leader in the community she was an integral part of the "Saddle Up" program for those in need of a therapeutic program with horses, taking many trips to Huron for Equine Special Olympic events.

She loved to garden and became a Master Gardner to conquer her skill. You never knew when a camera would be sneaking photos of family activities. She loved taking pictures of their horses out in the pasture and sharing with all. 

Marie will be deeply missed by her husband, Greg, of Watertown, SD; son David Cole of Minnesota, daughter Cindy Bussard (Mark Foster), of Clark, SD, son Scott (Lynne) Wilhelme-Underwood of La Mesa, CA, son Jim (Chris) Bowman of Mason City, IA; Grandchildren, Jenelle (Dustin) Skaare of Hitchcock, SD, Cheyenne (Josh) Bries of Dyersville, IA, Dustin (Kate Nason) Bowman of Edgington, IL, Marisa (Kevin) Miller of East Moline, IL, Cory Hamm of Denton, TX, Sheldon (Jessica) Foster of Sioux Falls, SD,  Marcie Belford of Watertown, SD, Danielle (Troy) Sauer of Spearfish, SD.  8 Great Grandchildren: Kodie & Korie Bries; Wyatt Bowman, Ada Skaare, Molly Foster, Hazel & Hattie Foster; Grayson Belford; brothers, Carl (Jan) Anderson of Pineville, NC, Arlie Anderson of No Attleboro, MA; one sister, Mary (Frank) Anderson of Landers, CA.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Elsie (Anderson) Wilson; stepfather, Gunner Anderson; father and mother-in-law, Leroy and Betty Benthin; daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Bob Weinreis, one sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Earl Marcum; brother-in-law Gene Benthin; granddaughters, Nichole Bussard and Collette Foster; grandson, Clinton Foster; sister-in-law, Jane Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Joy Ranch Equine Program , or McCrossan Boys Ranch.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti.  

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