Ardell Ordean Benson was born on August 29, 1934, to Robert and Mamie (Berg) Benson in Swede Prairie Township.  He was baptized and confirmed at Israel Lutheran Church in Swede Prairie.  He attended elementary grades in country school and graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1952.

Ardell was united in marriage on July 7, 1956, to Arlene Larson at Clarkfield Lutheran Church. This union raised four children: Bradley, Brian, Bruce, and Barbara. He also was a foster parent to four other children.

Ardell was engaged in farming for most of his life. He drove school bus for Clarkfield School for 9 years, keeping the bus home overnight on the farm.  In the winter, between bus times, he worked for Coast-to-Coast. Besides farming, he had a corn and bean dealership which he enjoyed for over thirty years.  After much thought and conversation, he decided to retire and had his machinery sale in January of 1998.

Ardell put his carpentry skills to work and built a camper out of an old, discarded 2-wheel trailer found in the farm grove.  It wasn't long before many friends and relatives came to join the fun at his favorite campground at Birchwood, north of Alexandria over the July 4th holidays.  There was always a program, a parade, a talent show, ball games and laughs galore.  He was appointed to be the Birchwood Mayor.

Ardell loved watching his kids participate in football, basketball, and musical events.  He had great friends who were always ready to go out to eat, play dominoes and pinochle, or attend a sporting event.  He also was a member of the Clarkfield Lions Club.

Ardell was a member of Israel Lutheran Church from birth until he joined Clarkfield Lutheran Church in 1990. He moved into Clarkfield in December of 2002.

As the years went by, Ardell's health began to decline.  He entered the Clarkfield Care Center on June 27, 2024.  He passed away at the Granite Falls Hospital on September 13, having just celebrated his 90th birthday.

Ardell leaves behind his wife, Arlene, and children: Bradley (Melanie) of Dawson, MN, Brian (Dolores) of San Diego CA, Bruce (Judy) of Hinckley MN, and Barbara (Tom Brenden) of Belgrade MN; two grandchildren: Brittany (Matt Wanke) and Nicholas; two great-grandchildren: Hadley and Beckett; brother, Vernon in Texas.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Corrine, and 2 brothers, Kerman and Robert.

Blessed be his memory.

Visitation will be on Saturday, October 19th, 2024, at 12:30 PM at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church, followed by the memorial service at 1:30 PM. Interment to follow in the church cemetery.