Walda Benker, age 68, of Huron, died Saturday, June 13, 2015, at her home. Her funeral service was held at 11 AM Tuesday, June 16th, at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Mark Holland, officiating.
Walda Marie Benker was born October 18, 1946, in Redfield, South Dakota, to Raymond and Frances (Larsen) Watson. She grew up on a farm just outside of Hitchcock. Walda had a passion for education and attended South Dakota State University, Northwest College of Commerce, and Huron College earning, her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She also attained her Master of Business Administration degree through Huron University.
Throughout her life, Walda was an employee at Northwest College of Commerce, and spent 29 years with Northwestern Public Service in Huron. Her teaching experiences include Southeast Technical Institute, Sioux Falls; Colorado Technical University, both in Sioux Falls and Huron; Northern State University in Aberdeen; and Huron University in Huron.
On March 18, 1967, she married Paul Benker in Hitchcock, South Dakota. They enjoyed 48 years together. She was active in the community, volunteering with the Huron Swim Team/South Dakota Swimming, Optimist Club, Jaycees, the Chamber, Business and Professional Women, the YWCA, and many other clubs and organizations. Walda loved to attend all family events from her children to her great-grandchildren, especially hockey games. Walda was known for her green M&M collection and her lighthouses. Walda and her family loved being at the lake and traveling.
Preceding her in death were her parents, and a brother-in-law, Carl Benker II (Connecticut).
Her surviving family members include her husband, Paul of Huron; their three children, Lori (George) Walters of Huron, Jill (Jerry) Selchert of Sioux Falls, and Lana Benker (Tim Zohlman) of Traverse City, Michigan; five grandchildren, Megan (Allen) DeJean, Waylon (Kayla) Walters, all of Huron, Kymberlyn Walters of Des Moines, Iowa, Jacob Benker of Traverse City, Michigan, and Jenna Hill-Selchert of Sioux Falls; six great-grandchildren, Tristan DeJean, Regan Munck, Jack Pedersen, Carson, Cayson and Kenley Walters, all of Huron; two brothers and a sister, Willie (Pat) Watson, Rollie (Lisa) Watson, and Nancy (Jim) Hein, all of Huron.