Gary Benson

Gary C. Benson, 65, Fargo, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his lake home on Little McDonald Lake, Perham, Minnesota on Saturday, February 21, 2009. Gary was born June 25, 1943 in Willmar, Minnesota, to Algot and Marvel Benson. He graduated from St. Joseph High School Class of 1961, St. Joseph, Michigan. After attending junior college for two years, he transferred to North Dakota State University graduating in May 1967. Gary married the love of his life, Judy Landry on May 27, 1967 in Fargo, North Dakota. Gary started his career as a teacher and coach in Hendrum, Minnesota, followed by Grand Forks, North Dakota and Hawley, Minnesota. The family moved to Midland, Michigan in 1972 when Gary accepted a sales position with Jostens, Inc. Gary loved North Dakota and the area, and in 1974 the family returned to Fargo where he worked in sales and marketing with Steiger Tractor for 10 years. Gary continued to pursue his career in sales and marketing, and most recently he was employed in the sales department at Grouser Products, West Fargo, North Dakota. Gary?s main passion in life, was spending time with his wife of almost 42 years, Judy, sons Jeff and Michael, daughter-in-law Heather, and his grandchildren Noah and Emily. He loved to be at the lake, and enjoyed all it had to offer. Gary also loved the Bison, and was an offensive lineman on NDSU?s first National Championship football team in 1965. He was proud to be inducted, along with his teammates and life long friends into the North Dakota State University Hall of Champions in 2005. Gary was proud to be an alumnus of NDSU, and could always be found with the Bison Team Makers, friends, and fellow fans cheering on the Herd. Gary was a loving and dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife, Judy, Fargo; sons, Jeff (Heather), Prior Lake, MN and Michael, St. Louis Park, MN; grandchildren, Noah and Emily Benson, Prior Lake, MN; sister, Mary (Al) Gianaras, Lake Forest, IL; brother, James Benson, Long Lake, MN, his brothers and sisters in law: James (Judy) Stewart, Duluth, MN, Connie (John) Kelly, Perham, MN, William (JoAnne) Stewart Jr., Minnetonka, MN, David (Jeanne) Stewart, Vancouver, WA, John (Susan) Landry, Overland Park, KS, and his nieces and nephews: Erik Palmer, Ali Benson, Whitney Benson, Michael (Beth) Stewart, Paula Stewart, Steve Stewart, Lynn (Chris) DiConcini, Dave (Nancy) Kelly, Andrew Stewart, Willliam (Cathy) Stewart III, Kate (Dave) Reimers, and Sean Holland. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Algot and Marvel Benson and his father-in-law and mother-in-law W.T. (Bill) and Mavis Stewart, and his brothers-in-law Paul Stewart and James Landry. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Boulger Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and one hour before the funeral in the church. The funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2009 at Hope Lutheran Church, South Campus. Please join the family for fellowship and lunch following the service at the Ramada Inn and Suites, Fargo. Memorials preferred, in lieu of flowers.