Fred William Benson was born March 10, 1910, in Middle River, Minnesota, to Bennie F. Benson (who died January, 1919) and Lillie Dahlquist (who died April, 1914). He was confirmed June 13, 1926, by Rev. Sandager at First English Lutheran in Marshall, Minnesota. The family returned to Normania Township where Fred's father farmed and had the country store. Fred attended country schools, Marshall Public School and Dunwoody Institute. While attending school in Marshall, Fred lived with his grandmother, Mrs. Peter (Christine) Dahlquist. During the summers and after attending Dunwoody, he took the train to Selby, South Dakota, to live with Uncle William Dahlquist, Sr. and was employed in road construction and maintenance. When Fred was 28, he returned to Normania Township in Yellow Medicine County. Fred farmed until his retirement and lived on the farm, which was homesteaded by his grandparents, until his death. Fred served on the St. Lucas Church Board and Cemetery Board and was a Boy Scout Committeeman for the Cottonwood Boy Scout Troop. Fred was married to Florence Peterson at the parsonage in Cottonwood on September 9, 1943, by Rev. H.J. Madland. They are the parents of Bennie of Montevideo, Robert of Cottonwood (married to Char Heimark) and Betty Ann of Montevideo (married to Tim Christensen); and grandparents of Christopher and Peter Benson and Andrea and Mitchell Christensen. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Swana Osburn. He is survived by his wife Florence; his three children; four grandchildren; two sisters, Gladys and Wenona Benson of Chicago, Illinois; numerous nieces and nephews, including Dr. Bennie Osburn of Davis, California, Noni Hoober of Marshalltown, Iowa and Marilyn Belk of Mountain Home, Arkansas; and cousins. Fred was known for his kind manner, his everpresent smile, his love of nature and is dearly loved by his family. Funeral Service: Friday, June 12, 1992, 10:30 a.m., St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Normania Township, Minnesota Officiant: Pastor Gary Kubly Organist: Ann Stensrud Special Music: Roberta and Mitch Brusven "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace" Casket Bearers: Duane Anderson, Bill Weinhold, Sr., Lyle Danielson, Merlin Weinhold, Don Okrina, Dean Wendschuh Final Resting Place: St. Lucas Lutheran Church Cemetery, Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota