Joan Renae Benzel

Joan Renae Benzel, 53, of Thompson Falls, passed away unexpectedly at home on June 26, 2014.

She was born to Max and Darlene Benzel, February 17, 1961 in Oakes, and joined an older brother, Bill. She attended school in Oakes where she graduated in 1979, and went to North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, graduating with a Secretarial degree. She then worked various jobs around the Oakes area until making the big move to Thompson Falls, MT, in 1984, where she got a job at the US Forest Service. After the downsizing of the Forest Service, Joan went to work for a lumber company for 8 years and then went to Harvest Foods, where she worked until her death. Joan loved her life and her friends in Thompson Falls, and that is where she also met her husband of 27 years, Henry Cheesman.

Joan enjoyed gardening, raising chickens and fresh eggs, riding horses, and her time in the kitchen making wonderful meals and delectable treats a skill she learned from her mom. Joan enjoyed the outdoors, catching northern pike in the Clark Fork River and hunting big game. She once shot an elk from her front porch in her night gown! She always enjoyed when she could attend the Bergman family reunion, reconnecting with her extended family.

Joan was preceded in death by her mother, Darlene, by only 22 days. Her father, Max, passed in 1986, and her mother-in-law, Harrietta Cheesman in 2012. She will be missed by her husband, Henry and faithful furry companion, Bailey of Thompson Falls, brother Bill (Lisa), niece Katie (Brian Phillips) Benzel, and nephew Cody (Erin Kinney) Benzel, all of Dillon, MT, stepdaughter, Cheri Campbell of Plummer, ID, stepson, Andy (Renee) Cheesman of Missouri, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will take place 4:00 pm June 30th, at Gospel Mountain Assembly of God in Thompson Falls. Graveside services and burial will be held at Oaks View Cemetery in Oakes, ND, details pending. There will be a reception following the service in the fellowship hall at the Grace Lutheran Church. An on-line guestbook may be signed at www.sunsethillsfuneralhomes.com (MT) or www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com (ND).

Service Information Memorial Service Monday June 30, 2014 4:00 PM to 4:00 PM Gospel Mountain Assembly of God Church 1120 Preston Ave Thompson Falls, Montana 59859