Shirley Mae Kuschel

Shirley Mae (Benson) (Johnson) Kuschel, 87, was a dear friend, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and a friendly face to many. After being placed on in-home hospice care; she took her last breaths October 6th, 2025 with her daughter and granddaughter by her side.

Shirley was born to Gunner & May (Wood) Benson in Onamia, MN where she was raised with eight other siblings. After graduating from Onamia High School she married Elmer Johnson and had 2 children. She and Elmer were building their home in Onamia, when Elmer passed away.

While working at the Onamia Hospital, she met then married Kenneth (Ken) Kuschel, who had 4 boys of his own, Michael (Mick), John (Jack), Charles (Charlie) and Robert (Bob). After the children had left home to start their own lives, Ken and Shirley built a home of their own in Brainerd where they resided until Kenneth's passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Gunnar (Bill) Benson, Robert (Bob) Benson, Charles (Chuck) Benson, sister Dorothy (Benson) Johnson, and her husbands, Kenneth Kuschel & Elmer Johnson.

She is survived by her children; David Johnson & Diane (Johnson) Durbin (Joseph); step-children Michael (Mick) Kuschel, John (Jack) Kuschel (Lisa), Charles (Charlie) Kuschel, and Robert (Bob) Kuschel, her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her sister Ruth Ann (Benson) Thomas, (Chet) and her brother Richard (Rick) Benson along with her many nieces and nephews and Suzy Q; her shih tzu.

Her memorial service will be held at Shepherd of the Lake church (10583 US-169, Garrison, MN 56450) on October 25th, 2025 at 11am. Lunch to follow and all are welcome.