Diane Carol Benson

Diane Carol Benson, 79 of McGregor, Iowa passed away Sunday, December 8, 2024 at her home in McGregor. Iowa. She was born December 7, 1945 to Leo and Florence (Ogle) Benson in Elkader, Iowa. Diane graduated from Oelwein High School with the class of 1964 and earned a B.A. in Sociology at Rhode Island College and Master's Degree at the University of Rhode Island.
Diane worked for several years with the Broward County Arts Department and dedicated much of her life to advancing art appreciation in public spaces through grant writing, administration and collaboration with a variety of governmental agencies and committees. Diane carried her love of the arts with her into retirement. She was a strong supporter of the McGregor-Marquette Center for the Arts, Inc. She was instrumental in purchasing the building at 158 Main Street which allowed them to move into its prime location they enjoy today. She was a member of the Clan McGregor for Community Enrichment, the Festival of Trees committee & the McGregor Historical Society. She was an enthusiastic participant in 'Bar Bingo' games at the Pocket City Pub. She came to see the musicians play at the River Queen on Sunday and occasionally sat in to play the drums.
Diane loved to fish with her dad in the Florida Keys on a weekly basis. She was an avid reader, an antique collector and a true artist at heart. She had a great appreciation for music and arts that she shared with her mother while playing in the band Bet and her Blue Angels. In addition to this, she played drums for a multitude of local bands. Diane spent her last winters in Florida with her very dear friend Olga Casey. Diane also loved her family, in particular, she enjoyed visits from her nieces and nephews and special friends. She was always sure to have her freezer stocked with ice cream treats for any such visitors.
Surviving Diane are her brothers, Tom Benson of McGregor, Iowa and Mark (Mona) Benson of Elgin, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Tom Benson, Jr. (Julia) Benson of Waukon, Iowa, Sherry (Gary) Oswald of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Corey Benson of Madison, Wisconsin, Angela (Jason) Hill of DeWitt, Iowa and Nick (Meg) Benson of Elgin, Iowa; and ten great-nieces and nephews. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Leo Benson & Florence Greear.
Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 25, 2025 from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Maggie's Diner 28534 US-18, McGregor, IA 52157.
Private Family Inurnment will be held at Highland Lutheran Cemetery.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of McGregor, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.