Alice Benn

MADISON - Alice Elizabeth (Niebuhr) Benn of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Agrace HospiceCare, Fitchburg at the age of 79.

Alice was born in 1934 in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of Erna Augusta and Albert Henry Niebuhr. She attended East High School and earned her Master's Degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She met her husband, Don, while at UW-Madison and they were married on August 18, 1954. Alice's first teaching job was in Sheboygan where she taught 3rd and 4th grades. She also taught at Lincoln Elementary in Eau Claire before returning to Madison where she taught at Schenk, Orchard Ridge, Falk and Hoyt elementary schools. While at Hoyt, she was also Reading Consultant/Curriculum Coordinator. Alice's final position was as Principal at Henry David Thoreau Elementary School.

After she retired, Alice continued educating, teaching English to Spanish-speaking residents of Madison. She and Don were very proud to be able to provide a yearly scholarship for students graduating from East High School. Alice was a member of Alpha Delta Kapp (IOTA Chapter) sorority, was a very active volunteer for many years at St. John's Lutheran Church in Madison, in the Madison Civics Club, and for the Foundation of Madison Public Schools.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Erna and Albert Niebuhr and her husband, Donald G. Benn. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Marble, nieces and nephews Lynn Marble Mansfield (Brian Bindley), Carolyn Greenlee (James Greenlee), Richard Marble (Cory Marble), Anne Hess (Jim Hess) and Amy Schroeder (Craig Schroeder); grand-nieces Danielle Greenlee, Christina Greenlee, Brooke Hauge and Paige Hauge; her beloved dog Whiskers; dear friends Jennifer Ortiz, Sami Fgaier and family, David Ianne, and many other friends.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday March 11, 2014 at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 322 E. Washington Ave. Madison, with Rev Ken Smith presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Alice may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 311 E. Washington Ave., Madison, Wisconsin or the UW Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, Wisconsin.