Robert Benson, of Clarkfield, died February 2, 2016, at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 69. Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 6, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Lucas Lutheran Church with Rev. David Peterson officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Robert Wesley Benson was born on November 13, 1946, to Fred and Florence (Peterson) Benson. He was baptized on December 14, 1946, and confirmed on May 14, 1961, at St. Lucas Lutheran Church. Robert was very active in the Boy Scout program and obtained his Eagle Scout Award through the Cottonwood Boy Scout Troop. He graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1964. Following high school he attended the University of Minnesota Morris graduating with a B.A. degree in Economics in 1968. Robert entered the United States Army in September, 1969. During his time in the Army he earned several awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Bronze Star. During Robert's service to our country in Vietnam from September, 1970 through June, 1971, he was a member of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV), which was a highly classified, multi-service (Army, Navy and Air Force) United States special operations unit that conducted covert unconventional warfare operations prior to and during the Vietnam War. The MACV unit participated in most of the significant campaigns of the Vietnam War. Bob worked with the South Vietnamese military, including learning their language to complete his assignment. Bob was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on June 27, 1971, as a First Lieutenant. Following his tour in the Army, Robert returned to Minnesota. He married Charlette Heimark on June 30, 1973. Robert and Char were proud parents of two sons, Christopher and Peter. Robert worked for General Dryer, including a position in Texas and then farmed with his father until his father's retirement. He continued farming until 2013. Robert enjoyed children; he taught his sister, Betty Ann to read before she started school, loved his sons and enjoyed teasing his nieces and nephew. Friends and relatives will remember Robert for his sense of humor and kind heart. Robert is survived by his son, Christopher; a brother, Bennie; a sister and brother-in-law, Betty Ann and Tim Christensen; two nieces and one nephew; a great-nephew; an aunt, Mildred Hawkinson; as well as numerous cousins.. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Florence and his son, Peter. Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota