Jon Herman Benson, 67, of Austin, died Aug. 27, 2009 at his home in Austin.
He was born July 3, 1942 to Herman and Clara (Biladeau) Miller in Austin. He was adopted in Jan. 1948 by Clarence and Iva May Benson of Dunnell, Minn. Jon attended grade school in Dunnell and graduated from Sherburn High School.
In 1960, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Cuban Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1963.
On Oct. 12, 1963, he married Rena Carlson at Waverly Lutheran Church in rural Trimont, Minn.
Jon received an associate’s degree after attending Mankato Commercial Business College. He worked as a salesman for Elk River Concrete Products of Elk River. Jon worked for Municipal Castings in Madison, Minn. and was medically retired in 1998.
In 2006, Jon and Rena moved from Madison to Austin. Jon was an outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting and collecting guns. He was quick-witted with a great sense of humor and enjoyed pulling pranks. Even in failing health, his quick wit and humor never failed him.
Jon is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rena Benson, Austin; one daughter, Julie (Robert) Lowery, Des Moines, Iowa; two sons, William Benson, Aurora, Colo., Glen (Karie) Benson, Cedar Falls, Iowa; two grandchildren, John Michael Benson and Samantha Ann Benson; one sister, Doris (Peter) Kent, Salina, Kans.; one brother, Duane (Janet) Miller, Faribault; one brother-in-law, Tim Timmerman, Austin; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his adopted parents and 11 brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Truman. Interment will take place at Ridgelawn Memorial Park in rural Truman with military honors by the Martin County VFW Post 1222 and the Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post 36 of Fairmont. Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Zaharia Family Funeral & Cremation Service in Truman and one hour prior to services at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to the Second Chance for Life Foundation.
Zaharia Family Funeral & Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.