In Memory of Sharon Bennigsdorf

Sharon Bennigsdorf, age 76, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, UnityPoint-Health St. Lukes Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2024, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Neil E. Wehmas will officiate. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.  

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Sharon Bennigsdorf, the daughter Ervin and Alvina (Werkmeister) Lichtenberg, was born on March 2, 1948, in Ida Grove, Iowa. A lifelong resident of Ida Grove, Sharon was baptized and later confirmed in her Lutheran faith. She received her education in the Ida Grove Public School system and graduated with her classmates from Ida Grove High School.

During high school, Sharon worked at the local Tip Top Café, which later on came in handy when she would lend a helping hand to her sister Audrey at another local café.  On November 26, 1966, Sharon married Gary B. Bennigsdorf and the couple were blessed with three children: Todd, Troy, and Lisa. Gary passed away suddenly in 1989, and Sharon become the soul provider for her young family. For over 47 years, Sharon ran an in-home daycare in Ida Grove and became a staple in many local families’ lives.

Sharon continued to care for children up until health issues forced her into retirement. In her past time, Sharon enjoyed playing Bingo, bowling, fishing, playing marbles, shopping with her daughter, and attempting to win at any game that she embarked upon with her grandson Briar. During her illness, her grandson Briar was her saving grace and brought her pure joy. When she was able, she enjoyed attending his sports events and school activities.

Always going the extra mile, Sharon was always giving of herself to others. She will be missed for easy-going laid-back personality, big heart, and great sense of humor.

Left to carry on her memory are her children Troy Bennigsdorf of Ida Grove, IA, and Lisa Pierce of Odebolt, IA; beloved grandson Briar Pierce; treasured nieces and nephews: Zane, Ethan, Caleb and Alana Reitz; brothers Jim (Judy) Lichtenberg, Jerome (Becky) Lichtenberg, and Monte Lichtenberg all of Ida Grove, IA; sister Cindy (Dale) Hinrickson of Ida Grove, IA; brother-in-law Rick Wonder of Ida Grove, IA; and dear cousin Karen Lichtenberg of Ida Grove, IA; and extended family and friends.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Ervin and Alvina Lichtenberg; husband Gary Bennigsdorf; son Todd Bennigsdorf; brother Jeffery Lichtenberg; sister Audrey Wonder; and nephew Jamie Hinrickson.