Esther M. Benrud

Esther M. Benrud, age 90 of Viroqua and formerly of Westby, died Monday, January 3, 2011. Esther M. Benrud, age 90 of Viroqua and formerly of Westby, died early Monday morning, January 3, 2011 at the Vernon Manor in Viroqua. She was born on May 3, 1920 in the township of Kickapoo, Vernon County, Wisconsin to Adolph and Ida (Oren) Anderson. She was baptized and confirmed at Franklin Lutheran Church by Pastor Borgen. Esther graduated from high school and then Vernon County Normal School. She taught country school in the area and on December 23, 1944 was united in marriage to Paul Benrud by Pastor Borgen at the Franklin parsonage. The couple moved to their farm in 1944 and Esther taught Sunday school and was the Sunday School Superintendent at Skogdalen Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the WELCA at Skogdalen. Esther is survived by her daughter, Karn (John) Appleman of Westby; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul who died on November 6, 1973; one brother, Jorgen Anderson; and one sister, Emma Fortney. Blessed be our memory of Esther M. Benrud. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Skogdalen Lutheran Church. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday after 10:00 a.m. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.