Gerilynn Benson

Gerilynn Benson, age 66, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at her home with her family by her side.

Gerilynn was born April 29, 1954, in Manistique, MI, the daughter of Robert Godfrey and Catherine Michaels. Gerilynn was raised by Catherine Michaels and her step father, Clifford Boursaw, and was a 1972 graduate of Johnson High School in St. Paul Minnesota. She worked for most her life working with maintenance at the Chip In Casino, and she also worked with Home Health, as manager at the Delta Inn and Sunset Motel, and cherished her years as a mother. Gerilynn was united in marriage to Michael Fournier on January 12, 1974, and after their marriage ended, they still remained good friends. On February 1, 2001, Gerilynn was united in marriage to Charles Cripps until he passed away on December 25, 2004. Gerilynn was then united in marriage to John Benson on August 25, 2012, together they shared many wonderful memories. John preceded Gerilynn on September 26, 2015.

Gerilynn was a lifetime member of the VFW. She loved spending time with family, baking, fishing, camping, and also traveling. She also was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and she was very proud of her heritage. She will be deeply missed by so many.

Gerilynn is survived by her special friends Mike Fournier, daughters Tracy (Ernest) Meshigaud of Escanaba, Tonya Munroe of Escanaba, Dawn (Ryan) Jarvey of Gladstone, Roxanne Cripps of Gladstone, and Jamie Benson of Escanaba, son Larry (Shandel) Paukstat of Wisconsin, Sisters Christine “Tina” Michaels of Gillette, WY, Mary Hurkmans of Green Bay, WI, and Maxine Boursaw-Brewer of Rapid River, brothers William Langrick, and Duane (Melissa) Boursaw of Escanaba, grandchildren Zaity, Za’Rae, Hayley, Keaton, Rakyah, Ryaynna, Jordan, Gage, Zionnah, Zabel, Zaylor, Alicia, Brittany, Marcus, Ezekiel, Zahniya, Brett, and Kayla, great-grandchildren Jadan, Jorian, Paisley, Damien, Emmit, and Bentley, nieces and nephews Brad, Naomi, Jerald, Megan, Clyde, Jarret, Antoinette, Tyler (Krissy, Mercedes, George Jr., Caitlin, Max Jr., April, Ricky, Lenny, Teairra, Laila, Carter, Dalton, Brianna, Nevaeh, Caleb, Kylee, Ella, Doug, Brian, Craig, Justin, and Daniel, “adopted” children Jessica Moore, Danielle Willette, Raymond “Tra” Nowell, and Elisabeth White. Gerilynn is also survived by Andrew (Jami) Boursaw of Escanaba, Kayla Boursaw of Escanaba, Vincent Boursaw of Rapid River, Tianna (George) Stilson of Gillette, WY, and Natasha (Tarl) Boursaw-Potts of Two Rivers, WI, all whom lovingly called Gerilynn their “Auntie Mama”.

The Benson family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. A luncheon will follow visitation at Mayrand’s Bar in Escanaba.