Genette Kathleen Tufte

FORMERLY FROM RUSHFORDGenette K. Tufte, 81, of Winona and formerly from Rushford, died Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Marys Campus in Rochester. Genette was born February 24, 1934 in Money Creek Township, Houston County, MN to Carl and Gilma (Byholt) Benson. She grew up in Rushford, MN. She married Gordon J. Tufte in 1951; they had 8 children and later divorced. Genette was a great cook, she made the best jams, pies, bread and cinnamon rolls. She loved to nurture her flower beds and vegetable gardens, the smell and feel of freshly turned earth. She loved the peace and tranquility of the outdoors; fishing, walking and having picnics in the woods, oftentimes with grandchildren in tow as she adored her grandchildren. Genette loved her family deeply and was always there to listen and help in any way she could. She was an avid reader, played cards and Scrabble and had an unmatched thirst for knowledge. She was very proud of her Secretarial degree from Winona Vo-Tech that she earned while in her forties. She loved almost all types of music, singing and dancing. Genette loved her Lord and believed that the way to survive life's hardships was to "Let Go and Let God." Her faith was unwavering.Genette is survived by children, twins Michael of Minneapolis, MN and Matthew of Mesick, MI, Stephan (LeeAnn) of Oskaloosa, KS, Phillip of Mesick, MI, Theresa (Jay) Swanstrom of Rochester, MN, Gordon R.(Ronda) of Dumont, IA and MariAnne (Joash) Rugut of Richfield, MN; sisters, Hilly Krahn and Louise Schlobohm; brother, Sherman (Joyce) Benson; son-in-law, Dwayne Maier; sister-in-law, Pat Benson; 22 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.Preceded in death by her parents; beloved daughter, Lenette "Bitsy" Maier in 2005; best friend, Gordon J. Tufte in 2009; 1 granddaughter; 1 great-great-granddaughter; sister, Mavis Jech; brothers, Carmen and Wally Benson; brothers-in-law, Jerry Krahn and Donald Schlobohm; sister-in-law, Evelyn Benson; and several precious nieces and nephews.Funeral service will be 1pm, Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Rushford Lutheran Church led by Reverend Roger Michaelson. Visitation will take place two hours prior to the service. Burial will follow at Rushford Lutheran Cemetery.Please share a memory of Genette with her family sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.