Rose Bensman
Alton | Save
Rose Bensman, of Alton, IL, died October 6, 2026, at her home, at the age of 103.
Rose Bensman was the second child born to Michael P. Bensman and Elizabeth (Dunschen) Bensman on June 23, 1923. Rose and her older brother, John Richard "Dick" Bensman, both graduated from St Patrick's Grade School and Marquette Catholic High School in Alton.
After Rose graduated from high school, like so many other members of the "Greatest Generation," she took a job at a California Defense Plant in early 1942 working as a Key Punch Operator, when the computer industry was just beginning. Rose used this knowledge and began working at Olin Corporation in East Alton, in Data Processing Technology, for nearly 30 years. While working at Olin, Rose attended college night school classes, in computer programming at St Louis University. Rose next worked in administrative roles at Helmkamp Construction, and then at Jun Construction. Finally, Rose worked part time at Massey Pharmacy, and after an amazing 73 years of working, she concluded her professional career.
Rose was a professional career woman, making her own way in the world, proudly and independently, and this was a consistent hallmark in her life, filled with hard work, capability, and independence. Rose lived her personal life the same way, proud and independent, living on her own, in her own home, still driving her own car, having successfully passed her driver's exam, just a few months ago.
Rose lived her life with three touchstones --- Family, Friends and Faith. While Rose worked hard, she managed to find time for fun, and fun for Rose was golf. Rose began to play golf right after high school with a $15.00 dollar set of used clubs. Her golf dedication continued, as an active player, until Rose was 102. In more than 80 years as a golfer, Rose had two holes in one and she was selected to the Alton, IL Golf Hall of Fame. She was a friend to many golfers, and many golfers were friends of hers. The Lady Birdies League had a 100th birthday party for Rose and planted a tree in her honor at the golf course, naturally. Rose was touched by, and grateful for, her may golfing friends.
Rose was so fortunate to have neighbors, who quickly became friends. Not just friends, but also helpers, supporters, care givers, cooks, repair folks, gardeners, grass mowers, snow shovelers, and so many other tasks done to help their neighbor and friend, Rose.
The Sisters at OSF St Antony's Hospital, were always there for both Rose's Mom and Rose. Rose was in the sisterhood for a time. But the Sisters were always supporters and helpers, and Rose was included in many, many activities of the community for decades. Their thoughtful and continuing prayers for Rose were always a welcome gift.
Rose was very proud of her family. Her commitment to loving, supporting and caring was ever present. Before Rose was twenty-nine years old, both her father and then her brother, had died. Rose and her mom, known to the family, as "Shorty", forged a bond of love and commitment and hard work. In the wake of their grief, Rose and Shorty lived together for nearly 50 years with both working outside the home. During those 50 years, family was always welcome in their home. To honor Rose on her 100th birthday, her family had a luncheon for Rose, at Bluff City Grill. Bluff City Grill told Rose, her family birthday party set a record for the number of family and friends in attendance.
Faith was Rose, and Rose was faith. A lifelong Catholic, no matter what success came her way, Rose always credited the "Good Lord" for her accomplishments, for her many friends, for her family, and all the good things that came her way.
Rose was preceded in death by her Father Mike Bensman, her Mother Elizabeth ("Grandma Shorty") Bensman, her brother Dick Bensman and a Great Great Nephew Bryce Bensman.
Cherishing Rose's memory are her Nephew Mike Bensman, and his wife Janine, of Overland Park, KS.
Her 3 Great Nephews,
Rob Bensman, and his wife Angie, and their sons Will and Jack, of Overland Park, KS.
Tim Bensman, and his wife Ami, and their sons Wyatt and Hank, of Olathe KS.
John Bensman, his wife Betsy, and their sons Leo and Graham, of Nashville, TN.
If you wish to contribute in Rose's honor, a memorial has been established for Sisters of St Francis of the Martyr St George. 1 Franciscan Way, Alton, IL 62002.
Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Rose Bensman's life, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home, Godfrey, IL.
The prayer vigil will begin at 3:00 pm, all are welcome.
Rose will have a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday October 16, 2026, at 10:00 am St Ambrose Catholic Church, Godfrey, IL.
Burial Service at St Joseph Cemetery, following the funeral mass.
Family and Friends are welcome to attend a luncheon, at St. Ambrose, immediately following the burial service.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
