Sarah Catherine Wingert

Sarah Catherine (Benton) Wingert, 44, of Fort Dodge, passed away Feb. 15, 2024, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines following a brief illness.

Sarah was born to Bill and Juanita (Koob) Benton in Humboldt on Feb. 21, 1979. Sixteen months later, she was joined by her brother Bill Jr. Sarah was two years old when Bill Sr. passed away. Sarah attended school and grew up in Fort Dodge. She moved away from the area for a while and eventually found her way back home. She was a long time employee at the Holiday Inn Express in Fort Dodge.

In 2012, she met her future husband, Kevin “Kong” Wingert, while working in Vincent. Sarah and Kong were united in marriage on Aug. 9, 2014, in Fort Dodge.

Sarah lived life large and loved hard. She was always “all in” and never met a stranger. Her smile could light up any room she walked into, and her laugh could carry for miles.

Sarah’s lifelong best friend was Jessi Bellinger and the two were closer than sisters. On summer mornings, Sarah could be found walking the lazy river at Rosedale Rapids with her mother Juanita and other friends.

Sarah adored her three grandsons and loved spending time with them, even when “Lil’ Man” would run her phone battery down playing games. In the fall, she loved cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturdays and her Green Bay Packers on Sundays. She enjoyed collecting anything with a frog on it.

She had a kind and generous heart. In her short 44 years, Sarah made a huge impact on those around her and she will never be forgotten.

Survivors include her husband, Kevin Wingert; mother Juanita Rydberg; stepfather Arnie Rydberg Jr.; brother Bill (Amy) Benton Jr.; “extra” sister Jessi Bellinger; stepdaughters Nicole and Kelby; beloved grandsons Keyarri, Shaphan and Draelon; a large extended family and countless friends made over the years.

Greeting Sarah in Heaven were her father, Bill Benton Sr.; grandparents Bruce and Catherine Koob; uncle Doug Koob; and mother-in-law Donna Wingert.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Laufersweiler Funeral Home