George Benson

[presnelson]

​

George Benson
1932 - 2024​

After graduating from Bagley High school in 1950, he joined the Navy where he served on the USS Knapp and USS Lloyd Thomas as a boiler tender during the Korean War.

Returned home to work as a boiler engineer in several places finally settling as chief engineer at Sears in Brookdale in 1963 until retirement in 1992.

He was active for many years in the Rogers Threshing Show which became the Nowthen Historical Power Assn. where he owned and operated a steam traction engine during the show, the highlight of his life.

He is preceded in death by parents, George and Margaret Benson, brother Thomas Arthur Benson and grandson Tyler Benson.

Survived by wife of 46 years, Bonnie Leet Benson, Brother Maynard (Mary) Benson, sister-in law Alva Benson, children Vernell (Debbie) Stigen. Roxanne (Gary) Chambliss, Robin Benson and Rick (Becci) Benson, Randy (Carol) Leet, Jeff Leet, Alisa Leet, 11 grandchildren and 6 grandchildren.

He will be missed by his family and many friends.

Memorial service to be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids, January 16, visitation at 10:00am and service at 11:00am.

 

[Jerry Christiansen]

Duane,

Thanks for posting this.
I worked on the Pabst Engine with George for many years.

Jerry Christiansen

 

[presnelson]

Jerry,
Years before the Pabst was thought about George being from Bagley was friends with the Gas Engine Get Goers,Bob Bilden, Jennings Sunderlund and Norman Chase in gas engine area. Also he operated the big 36 Rumley when Don Ames owned it
Duane Nelson

 

[Ray Wangler]

Thanks Duane for letting us know. I liked George, he was a wealth of knowledge for sure, and always willing to share it.