Marion "Kris" Benken Dressler, 86, of Columbia, died Saturday, July 13, 2013. Born in New York, NY, on January 11, 1927, she was the beloved daughter of the late Willi Benken and Louise Ammann Benken.

After graduating from Queens College in New York City, Kris worked for American Airlines prior to her marriage to Robert E. Dressler in 1949. They lived in North Dakota before relocating to Chicago, IL, where they resided for sixteen years. In 1974, their family moved to Columbia where Kris continued her career as a realtor, which had begun in Illinois and Missouri. She worked first with Bob Capes Realty, and then with Russell and Jeffcoat Real Estate until her retirement in 2007. Kris was a member of Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church since moving to Columbia and sang in the church choir for 35 years. She was a vivacious individual who enjoyed life, especially gardening and playing bridge.

Survivors include her children, Heidi Dressler of Santa Rosa, CA, Bruce Dressler of Columbia, Wendy (John) Piasecki of Colden, NY, Brian (Joy) Dressler of Columbia, and Suzanne Dressler, also of Columbia; her grandchildren, Kimberly Dressler, Dane Dressler, Jenna Piasecki, Blake Dressler, Ben Waldorf, Matt Piasecki; step-grandchildren, Rhett and Ehrich Clark; and a brother, The Rev. Frederick Richard (Jody) Benken.

A memorial service for Mrs. Dressler will be held 2 o'clock, Tuesday, July 16th, at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Dr. L. Franklin Fant and The Rev. Alice O'Dell officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Memorials may be made to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, 530 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC, 29210.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.