Obituary of Benita Kay Liljegren

Benita Kay Liljegren passed away June 1st, 2024 at BeeHive Homes of Duluth surrounded by family. Benita was born July 31, 1936 to parents Benjamin and Esther McKagan and grew up in Proctor, Minnesota. She met the love of her life Charles (Chuck) at the Pike Lake roller rink while still in high school. They married in 1956 and spent 67 wonderful and blessed years together.

Benita was accomplished in many areas. She was a master gardener whose flower gardens were the delight of many. She was a seamstress, canner and baker for her family. She won many first place and grand champion ribbons at the Proctor fair for her canned and baked goods, flowers and homemade items. She was sought after for her keen eye and interior decorating skills and took on many home building projects. She loved to help others, and there was nothing she wouldn’t take on. She was a Unit Coordinator at Nopeming Nursing Home, and was recognized by St. Louis County for her excellent care and service to the residents there.

What made her happiest though, was being with her family. She and Chuck raised five children, and most summer weekends were spent camping throughout the area, enjoying the outdoors, and making memories. Later in life, she and Chuck explored the country in their motorhome. Benita was always nurturing, and spread love to others. She loved to blow kisses to those around her, and would not let you go without a hug. She will be greatly missed, although she would not want anyone to be sad. She would tell you she and Chuck had a very blessed life, and would only ask that we look at the positive side of things and be a blessing to others.

Benita is survived by her son Rick (Mary) Liljegren, daughters Sandra (Mick) Orr, Julie (Dave) Davis, Nancy (Mike) Graves, Patti (Adam) Swank and her much loved 17 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. In keeping with Benita’s wishes, a private service for immediate family will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to staff at BeeHive Homes and Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care and support.