Ronald H. Benson, 70, of Mankato, Minnesota, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2014, at his home. He was born Nov. 18, 1943, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, to Herbert and Marguerite Benson. Ronald grew up in Blooming Prairie on the family farm and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1961.  Following high school, he attended Mankato State University and earned a degree in Elementary Education. On May 24, 1980, Ron was united in marriage to Sue Andrianse in Mankato.  The couple raised two children then later divorced. Ron spent most of his life working in Mankato. He owned Kato Cab Company for many years. Ron loved politics and history. He also enjoyed following sports, especially football. Particularly special to him was the time spent with his two daughters, Megan and Marti.

Ron is survived by his daughters, Megan Benson of Duluth, Minnesota, and Marti Benson of Mankato; one grandchild, Zoey; his step-mother Luella Benson of Blooming Prairie; siblings Hazel (Jerry) Hester of Lakeside, California, Lorie (Ted) Ciszek of Bull Shoals, Arizona, Vern (Anne) Benson of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Sherry Kruckeberg of Minneapolis, Allan (Melody) Benson of Blooming Prairie, Gary (Denise) Benson of Clarks Grove; step-siblings Deanna (Cliff) Peterson of Tempe, Arizona, Rebecca Osborn of Laguna Woods, California, Barbara (Janet) Duel of Phoenix, Arizona, William S. (Robin) Duel of Minneapolis; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Marguerite Benson in 1956, his father Herbert Benson in 2009, and his ex-wife Sue Benson in 2012.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014 at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, with Pastor Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 at the church prior to the service.  Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ron’s memory can be directed to the Benson family. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.