Lucille C. Benton

Lucille C. Benton was born on August 27, 1917 in Gillett, Wisconsin, the first child of Dr. and Mrs. Alphons Koll. She entered into her eternal reward on December 13, 2007. Lucille attended Gillett public schools and graduated as valedictorian of her high school class, and graduated from Marquette University as a member of the Charter Class in Dental Hygiene. She was first employed in Madison by Dr. James Hoffman, who was immediately called to serve in the national reserve at the beginning of World War II. Lucille was then hired as a dental hygienist for Dr. Jack Benton in Appleton.

She was happy in Appleton and had many friends there. During this time Lucille and her family were recovering from the death of their father, and being closer to her mother and siblings in Oshkosh was helpful. She was a kind sister and good daughter, and did all she could to brighten the spirits of her family during that sad time. In l976, Lucille married Dr. Jack Benton and continued working as his dental hygienist until his death in 1982. The two went on several humanitarian missions to Haiti. Br. Regis and the Salvatorian Order in New Holstein collected supplies and equipment donated by dental supply and drug companies to be shipped to Haiti, where they set up an emergency dental clinic. Together they worked to provide the most urgently needed dental care for the natives of Haiti.

Lucille was very active in her church, St. Bernard Parish in Appleton. She served on the Baptism Committee, visited the sick in hospitals and at home, and participated in many other parish activities. She was a lifelong member of the Wisconsin Hygienists Society, and a long time member of Kings Daughters in Appleton, serving in several offices of that organization.

Lucille will always have a special place in the hearts of her nieces and nephews, who fondly called her “Auntie Ceil”. She took an active interest in their lives and accomplishments, whether it meant taking a niece out for a birthday lunch, attending a First Communion or Confirmation, or a nephew’s high school graduation. She made each one feel special. The grand nieces and nephews will also fondly remember her many kindnesses, birthday notes, Christmas chocolates, and generous spirit.

Lucille was also a most loving, thoughtful and generous step mother and grandmother to Joan Benton Hanson, Tom and Jill Benton, and their children. She was a loving, cheerful, grateful and grace-filled spirit while living at the Rennes Nursing Home in Appleton. She has shown us all how one’s final years can be faced and lived with a positive attitude, grace, and gratitude. She has been an inspiration to her family, friends, and the Rennes staff.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Jack Benton; parents, Dr. Alphons and Clara Koll; brothers, Paul A. Koll and James Grant Koll; and brother in law, George B. Kromrey. She is survived by her stepchildren; Joan Hanson, Dr. Tom (Jill) Benton; step-grandchildren Tom and Tim Hanson, Jenny Cravens, Doug Benton, and Doug and Greg Abbott; five step great-grandchildren; brother Donald W. (Elaine) Koll and sister Faith M. Kromrey; nieces and nephews John (Julie) Koll, Mary Jo (Jay) Schnur, George (Sandy) Kromrey, Kay (Harry) Garnett, Jean (Bill) Tehan, Mark (Karen) Kromrey; and grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

The funeral liturgy for Lucille will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1617 W. Pine Street in Appleton, with Fr. Dennis M. Ryan officiating. Friends may call directly at the church on Saturday, January 19 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Memorials honoring Lucille’s life may be sent to the Salvation Army, St. Bernard Parish, St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, or the Salvatorian Order in New Holstein.

Lucille’s family wishes to thank the Rennes staff for their loving, gentle and patient care of Lucille during her last years.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfargo.com