Katherine “Kathy” Ann Benson, age 82 of Wilber, passed away Oct. 20, 2026.
She was born June 2, 1944, in Colton, California, to Joseph and Mildred (Pavel) Kozak. Kathy was one of six children – five sons and one daughter.
Katherine attended school in Wilber and graduated from Wilber in 1962. She was united in marriage to Harvey Benson. The couple had two daughters. Katherine lived on a farm by Friend most of her adult life until moving to Wilber. She worked for a while at the nursing home in Friend and later after moving to Wilber she worked at the Wilber Care Center.
Katherine loved horses and enjoyed riding them. She always had one when living on the farm. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She would always cook a large meal for the holidays.
The last years of Kathy’s life, she resided at the Wilber Care Center.
Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; her parents, Joseph and Mildred Kozak; daughters, Shawne and Shelly; and four brothers, Robert Kozak, Donald Kozak, Jerry Kozak and Doug Kozak.
She is survived by her brother, Fred (Joann) Kozak, and other relatives and friends.
A private family graveside service will be at Andrew's Cemetery in Friend.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.
