Polly Benshoof

Minot

Polly Benshoof, 85, Minot, died Saturday, September 9, 2023, in a Minot hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Pauline “Polly” “Benshoof was born to Phillip and Alice Halvorson on September 21, 1937, in Mohall, ND. She graduated from Mohall High School and then achieved her teaching standard degree at Minot State College. Polly taught grade school for a year in Crosby.

Polly married Milt Vanerstrom in 1958, and from this union, four children were born. She lived in Carpio until 1990 and then moved to Minot. In her time on the farm, she became involved with the North Dakota Farm Bureau Women’s organization, rising to the office of president for North Dakota. Polly became a licensed realtor and worked with the Watne Realty office for over 20 years.

She married George Benshoof in 1997. They began seeing the world; Italy, Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Germany, Hawaii and Alaska. They took many Farmers Union bus tours that made it possible to see all 50 states. Polly was an avid fan of her grandkids’ sports, making countless trips to both Fairview, Montana and Burnsville, Minnesota. Seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great happiness.

Polly was a member of Vincent Methodist Church and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center where she served on the board.

Polly is survived by her husband, George, her children Peggy (Ron) Kopp, Fairview, MT; Jane (Chris) Omodt, Savage, MN; Sally (Chris) Vanerstrom, Fridley, MN; grandchildren Ryan (Tessa) Kopp, Marcia (Luke) Proulx, all of Fairview; Scott Svare of Eagan, MN and Steven Svare of Burnsville, MN. Her great-grandchildren Rory and Lillian Kopp, Holt and Helen Proulx, and Ben Svare.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Scott, and her cousin (but sister of a different mother) Hazel Solemsaas.

Celebration of Life Service for Polly Benshoof: 11 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot. To view a livestream or to share memories and condolences access her obituary at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.

Visitation: Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Published by the Minot Daily News, Sept. 12, 2023.