June Hazel Rice Benson
May 23, 1930 – July 25, 2026

June was born May 23, 1930, in San Diego, California, to Herbert Ray and Iva Lucille Rice. She was the youngest of three children. Her father immigrated from Canada, and he felt so proud and lucky to have become a naturalized citizen of the United States. He spoke about San Diego as heaven on earth.

June graduated from Hoover High School in San Diego. She met Timothy Benson while he was stationed at the 32nd Street Naval Station in San Diego. They soon married and relocated to Sterling, Illinois, where they had five children: Pamela, Tom, Nancy, Troy, and Tim. June felt they were her most important contribution to the world and her source of happiness.

During these years, she helped at her husband’s dental office, volunteered as a room parent, served as a Girl Scout leader, and supported health drives. June belonged to a local hospital auxiliary and found ways to connect in the community. June lived for 25 years in Illinois. She worked with students at a high school and a middle school, following the end of her marriage. She went to work at a real estate office, and it became clear she knew every visitor by first name!

So, June got her real estate license, and she sold 14 homes within her first 3 weeks. After 8 years in RE sales, and after winning a statewide award and serving as President of the RE Board, June decided to move back to San Diego in 1984, where her sister still lived. Upon her return, June earned her California Real Estate license and became a residential property manager. At one point, she managed 250 properties, which led to many property sales transactions. June lived and loved this work until she retired in 2019 at 89 years old and moved to Portage, Wisconsin, closest to her oldest son, Tom.

June had lifelong friends for whom she felt blessed. Many of these friends predeceased her. She made new friends in Portage who have mattered so much to her happiness in these final years.

June’s parents and siblings, Donald Rice and Carol Saylor, predeceased her. Her five children and their spouses survive June: Pamela Benson (New Mexico), Thomas Benson and Janice Petersen (Portage, WI); Nancy and Jeff Peterson (LeClaire, Iowa), Troy and Betty Benson (Lake Forest, CA), and Timothy and Dana Benson (St. Johns, Florida). June has twelve grandchildren: Tim, Taylor, Greta & Britta (Tom); Erik & Tor Peterson (Nancy); Connor, Liam, and Evan (Troy); and Emily, Ryan, and Kyle (Tim). She is also survived by four nephews, five nieces, and their families.

Memorial Services will be following a lunch starting at 12:00 noon on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Phoenix Community Room located at 104 W. Cook St. in Portage.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.