RACINE – Doris Lillian (Fedder) Bengston, age 88, passed away peacefully at Ridgewood Care Center on October 9, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Port Washington, WI on September 5, 1924, the daughter of the late Richard and Lillie (nee: Fechtner) Fedder. Doris graduated from Port Washington High School in 1942. She went on to become a photo engraver through a six-year apprenticeship at the Ozaukee Press.
It was at the Ozaukee Press that Doris met the love of her life, linotype operator, Clifford Bengston. Doris and Cliff were united in marriage on October 23, 1948 in Racine, WI. Cliff preceded Doris in death on August 7, 2007. Doris and Cliff raised their family and created their life together in Racine. They were always grateful for their family and many wonderful friends. Doris devoted her time to being a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She touched many people throughout her life and cared deeply for her family and friends as they always came first. Doris and Cliff were long-time members of Christ Church United Methodist. In addition to being a full-time homemaker, Doris consistently participated in volunteer work. In her sixth decade she learned how to use a computer and volunteered at the Racine Public Library for over 20 years. She also quilted regularly to raise funds for her church and helped to manage weekly offerings and pledges. Doris loved to knit, crochet and create projects through embroidery, quilling, and other crafts. Family members are fortunate to have many beautiful afghans and quilts lovingly created by Doris.
Surviving are her children, Marlene (Gary) Skovsted of Boulder, CO and Miles (Mary) Bengston of Racine; grandchildren, Eric (Mary) Skovsted, Sonja (Robert) Scott, Benjamin Bengston, Andrea Bengston, and Amber Bengston; as well as many dear nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Doris was preceded in death by her son, Mark Bengston; daughter-in-law, Theresa Bengston; siblings, Ruth Schmidt-Hetzel, Fritz Fedder, and Donna-Mae Hetzel; in-laws, Harriet Fedder, Lyle Hetzel, Frank Schmidt, Leonard and Leona Bengston, Margaret and Jake Bjurman; and many dear friends.
At Doris’ request, a private family service and interment was held at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church United Methodist, 5109 Washington Ave, Racine, WI 53406 or Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services—Daybreak Program, a dementia respite program. (http://www.kafasi.org/daybreak.html).
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