Obituary of Dagmar Hilde Benner

Dagmar (Werner) Benner, age 64 of Niles, Michigan; wife, mother, sister and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home on February 27, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones. Dagmar (Dagi) was born on April 15, 1957, along with her identical twin sister Gudrun, in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, Germany, to Sigmund and Anni Werner. After visiting relatives in America, the Werner family decided to emigrate to the United States. In December of 1968, Dagmar and her family traveled across the Atlantic Ocean and were fortunate enough to see the Statue of Liberty, as they arrived in New York Harbor just in time for Christmas. The family then settled in Niles, Michigan to begin their new life in America. Dagi graduated from Niles Senior High School in 1975, and immediately started her career as a banker at First National Bank of Southwestern Michigan. While there, Dagi excelled and was even named “Banker of the Month”. On September 20, 1980 she married Bob Benner at Morris Chapel in Niles, and recently celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. Dagi and Bob were later blessed with two wonderful sons, Henry and Alex. Dagmar was a perfect example of what it means to be a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was available to help others, no matter how busy her schedule was. Dagi was an active member of the Niles Westside Seventh Day Adventist Church since 1980, where she participated in numerous mission trips to Mexico, Central America, and South America. As an avid volunteer, Dagi worked with her church as a Sabbath School teacher, treasurer, and deaconess. Her passion for giving back was also on display as a member of 4-H, Crafty Lassies, and the DANK (German American National Congress). In her leisure time Dagi enjoyed volleyball, fishing, kayaking, bike riding, camping, and traveling. Most of all, Dagi loved spending time with her family. Her three granddaughters – Aubrey, Alexis, and Addison – held a special place in her heart. Dagi enjoyed her time with them making crafts, gardening, cooking, and looking for Petoskey stones in Northern Michigan. She also loved exploring the Upper Peninsula with her family. Preceding Dagi in death is her son, Henry Benner (2003), and her parents, Sigmund (2009) and Anni (2018) Werner. Dagmar will be missed by her husband, Bob, her son Alex, and her granddaughters - Aubrey, Alexis, and Addison. She will further be deeply missed by her sisters; Gudrun Prestine and Barbara (Jeff) Cripps; sister-in-law, Bonnie Benner; her nephew, Tony Prestine, nieces; Michelle Kusnierek, Tanya (Mike) Serra, and Stephanie Cripps; grandnephews, Mitchell and Tyler; and many family and friends in Germany. Memorial services to celebrate Dagi’s life will take place at the Niles Westside Seventh Day Adventist Church on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. Those wishing to make memorial contributions in honor of Dagi may consider Niles Westside Seventh Day Adventist Church, Caring Circle Hospice, or Cass County 4-H. Photos, condolences, and memories for Dagi’s family can be left at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Her selfless nature, willingness to help others and pitch in, and her ability to give an abundance of love are just some of the characteristics that those who loved Dagi will fondly remember.