Cheryl McLaughlin

Cheryl S. McLaughlin, 82, of Belmond, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Story Pointe in Urbandale.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1207 3rd Street Northeast, in Belmond with Father Jerry Blake officiating. Burial will be in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Belmond.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, September 1, 2025, with a Rosary and Scriptural Wake starting at 4:00 PM, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
Cheryl Sue (Benson) McLaughlin, daughter of Lloyd and Bertha Benson, was born on October 8, 1942, in Clarion, Iowa. She grew up on the Alexander family farm. She attended Alexander Public Schools where she was a standout forward on the basketball team and first chair trombonist in the Alexander High School Band. Cheryl also graced the theatre stage in 1958 as the lead in her junior class play.
In 1959, Cheryl married the love of her life, Clement McLaughlin. Together they celebrated 66 years of loving marriage. One of their proudest accomplishments was obtaining a family farm at Lake Cornelia, which became the heart of their home and the place where they raised their seven children--each one a source of immense pride and joy for Cheryl.
Cheryl continued her education at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), earning her associate's degree later in life-a milestone she always cherished, especially because her beloved mother was able to witness her walk across the stage to receive her diploma. In the 1990s, Cheryl built a successful career as an account executive for the Mason City Globe Gazette, and campaigned successfully to win her primary for Wright County Supervisor.
A woman of abiding faith, Cheryl found community and purpose as a member of the Catholic Daughters of America at St. Francis Catholic Church, where she worked on behalf of causes close to her heart.
Cheryl's proudest moments came with each milestone her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren reached. She delighted in "playing grandma" and was fondly known for spoiling the grandkids with treats and unconditional love. She relished the time spent traveling with Clem to visit loved ones, and going to ballgames, meets, recitals and plays. The sound of laughter in her home and the sparkle of delight in her grandchildren's eyes were her greatest treasures.
Cheryl created beauty wherever she went, tending her gardens, decorating her home, and delighting in the simple pleasures of pretty things. She never passed up a chance to walk along the shoreline, collecting seashells and listening to the ocean waves. Even though three of her children attended Iowa State, she was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan!
Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Clem; her children, Scott (Terry) McLaughlin, Jeff (Charlotte) McLaughlin, Tami (Dale) Kroll, Jackie (Brent) Thomas, Alison (Eric) Russell, and Kristie (Chris) Houdek; 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Todd; parents Lloyd and Bertha Benson, and sisters Betty Benson, Donna Slining, Ruth O'Connor, and Connie Whitaker.