Gisela Maria Benson

Gisela was born in Dahn, Germany to Willi and Klara Engel. She grew up in Cologne, Germany with her siblings Klaus and Christa. After high school graduation Gisela attended business school. Upon completion of business school Gisela worked for a clothing design company. In 1958, Gisela met a young American Soldier by the name of John Benson in a cafe style ice cream shop. John and Gisela would marry on May 13th of 1959 in Germany. The newlyweds were then stationed in South Carolina where they welcomed their first of two daughters in July of 1960, Patricia Iverson (Benson). In 1962, the family of three was sent back to Germany where they welcomed their second daughter Nicole Powell (Benson) in December.

The family was transferred to Ft. Benning, Georgia where they lived until they were stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco, CA in 1970. They finally settled in Petaluma, CA in 1975. Gisela would start a 30 year career at JC Penney where she would later retire upon the closing of the store.

Gisela was the matriarch of her family and was a loving Mother to Patricia Iverson (Jack Iverson), Nicole Powell (Mark Powell), Grandmother to four grandchildren, Steven Powell, Brittany Mulliken (Gorup), Amber Juillerat (Powell), and Brandon Gorup. Gisela was also a Great Grandmother/ Oma to four great grandchildren, Evie Mulliken, Grace Powell, Paisley Powell and Ace Juillerat. Gisela took immense pride in hosting a heartfelt Christmas Eve every year where she made her infamous homemade German spritz cookies. Her family will hold onto the many fond memories she created with that tradition close to their hearts.

Gisela was welcomed into heaven on September 26, 2025, by her loving husband of 53 years John, her parents Willi and Klara, and her brother Klaus.

There will be a viewing at Parent Sorensen on Tuesday, September 30th from 5pm to 8pm.

Catholic Funeral Mass at St James Church in Petaluma, Wednesday, October 1st at 11am, followed by a private family burial.

Reception to follow at Cucina Paradiso 114 Petaluma Blvd N. in Petaluma.