JOHANNA BENSON GAETJE
June 5, 1939 –December 18, 2021
Johanna Benson Gaetje passed away at home in Richland, Washington. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Charles and Lavinia (Ebert) Benson. Her family moved from Alabama to Prosser when Johanna was five. Her Dad, a Building Superintendent, had been transferred with DuPont to the Manhattan Project. Johanna graduated from Prosser High School and Washington State University with a B.A. in Education. She taught second grade in the Edmonds School District for four years and later taught in Texas. In March 1965 she married her beloved husband, Frank Charles Gaetje, a lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis, Washington. They were married 56+_ years.
Johanna relocated many times when Frank was in the service (Fort Lewis, WA; Fort Rucker, AL; Fort Know, KY and Fort Leavenworth, KS; Fort Hood, TX) and through Frank’s civilian employment (Houston, TX; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Mt. Vernon, OH; Houston, TX). Upon Frank’s retirement, in Houston they moved to Prosser. Following a stroke in 2016, Johanna and Frank relocated to Richland.
Johanna and Frank enjoyed many cruises (Alaska, European, Caribbean) and trips through the United States. Two special visits to Norway, the birth country of her father, gave them the opportunity to visit Johanna’s cousins.
Johanna enjoyed volunteer work during Frank’s Army career and continued with it after his Army years. She especially enjoyed her volunteer work at Keene-Riverview in Prosser and also at the Prosser Memorial Hospital.
She attended Covenant Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Retired Teachers’ Association.
Johanna especially loved the visits with her family. She is survived by her husband, Frank C. Gaetje of Richland, Washington; sons Pat William (Janet) of Katy, Texas and Clay Ebert (Jennifer) of Seattle, Washington; granddaughters Taylor Elizabeth, Devin Alexandra, and Bailey Nicole of Seattle, Washington; and Megan Clair of Katy, Texas.
She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Lavinia Benson and her brother, Charles Albert Benson.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 12th at Prosser Funeral Home. Viewing will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00. Burial and concluding services will follow in the Prosser Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Chaplaincy Hospice Care (1480 Fowler Street/Richland, WA 99352). You may leave a message for the family at www.Prosserfuneralhome.com