Obituary for Mildred Benson
Mildred “Mickey” (Fistrovic) Benson was born September 5, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, to John and Rose (Heimbach) Fistrovic, both immigrants from Yugoslavia and Hungary, respectively. Mickey was a multi-talented artist — a musician, a baker and oil pastel artist. She graduated Battle Creek Central High School in 1945, after which she joined the Civil Air Patrol in Battle Creek, got her pilot's license, and developed a life-long love of travel. A few years after graduating high school, she met her husband of nearly 71 years, Gerald Benson, in a candy shop she worked in. They married and raised two children in Springfield, Michigan. While raising kids, Mickey worked at Michigan Bell, then at Grinnell’s music store and played organ in The Travelling Trio, a band that played popular 70s rock music. She went on to work at Lotte USA, a chewing gum manufacturer, from which she retired in 1986.
After retirement, Mickey and her husband travelled every winter to Yuma, Arizona to catch up with friends, soak up the sun, and dance at Mickey B’s Irish Pub. She absolutely loved the night sky in Arizona. Mickey loved socializing and never passed up an opportunity to be a part of the fun. By some, Mickey will be best remembered for her world-class Hungarian Nut Roll and Apple Strudel which she made (and enjoyed teaching others how to make) every winter holiday season for her friends and family.
As a co-founder of the Battle Creek Society of Artists, Mickey always encouraged creativity. She created beautiful pastel landscapes and portraits. In 1998 she was part of a group that designed a covered walkway mural project at the Battle Creek VA. By far her favorite subject matter were furry companions — her pet portraits, which she both made on commission, and routinely gifted to family and friends, and are a testament to her love for animals. In honor of that love, the family asks that any donations be sent to the Calhoun County Humane Society in her memory.
Mickey died peacefully in her home in Springfield, Michigan, surrounded by her family, on June 13th, 2021 at the age of 93. Forever young at heart, she never looked her age (photo was taken for her 90th birthday). She is survived by her husband Gerald W. Benson, her children Jeffrey Benson and Lynne (John) Chipman, her grandchildren Emiline Chipman and Jack Chipman, and her niece Shellie Benson. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her only sibling Edward Fistor.
Her memorial service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery on July 1, 2021 at 10:30 am. The safety protocols at the cemetery require those not vaccinated to wear masks and to exercise 6 foot social distancing.
After retirement, Mickey and her husband travelled every winter to Yuma, Arizona to catch up with friends, soak up the sun, and dance at Mickey B’s Irish Pub. She absolutely loved the night sky in Arizona. Mickey loved socializing and never passed up an opportunity to be a part of the fun. By some, Mickey will be best remembered for her world-class Hungarian Nut Roll and Apple Strudel which she made (and enjoyed teaching others how to make) every winter holiday season for her friends and family.
As a co-founder of the Battle Creek Society of Artists, Mickey always encouraged creativity. She created beautiful pastel landscapes and portraits. In 1998 she was part of a group that designed a covered walkway mural project at the Battle Creek VA. By far her favorite subject matter were furry companions — her pet portraits, which she both made on commission, and routinely gifted to family and friends, and are a testament to her love for animals. In honor of that love, the family asks that any donations be sent to the Calhoun County Humane Society in her memory.
Mickey died peacefully in her home in Springfield, Michigan, surrounded by her family, on June 13th, 2021 at the age of 93. Forever young at heart, she never looked her age (photo was taken for her 90th birthday). She is survived by her husband Gerald W. Benson, her children Jeffrey Benson and Lynne (John) Chipman, her grandchildren Emiline Chipman and Jack Chipman, and her niece Shellie Benson. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her only sibling Edward Fistor.
Her memorial service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery on July 1, 2021 at 10:30 am. The safety protocols at the cemetery require those not vaccinated to wear masks and to exercise 6 foot social distancing.