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Corley Benson

corley benson

January 1, 1970 ~ January 27, 2015

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Corley Buford Benson son of Violet and Justin Benson was born February 4th, 1947 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Corley died Tuesday January 27th 8:00am as the sun was rising and surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. 

Corley attended grade school through high school in Moorhead, Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer and Machinist Mate during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1972 on the Allen M. Sumner WWII Destroyer. He served a tour of duty guarding the aircraft carriers for the Vietnam War aircraft. He also served a tour of duty in the Mediterranean. After receiving honorable discharge from the Navy he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Moorhead State College. He taught industrial education from 1976-1977 in Eveleth, Minnesota. From 1978-1981 he worked as a building code inspector for the City of Moorhead, Minnesota. From 1982-1994 he worked for Laney's Plumbing and Heating as an estimator and project manager.  From 1994-2013 he worked for Grant's Mechanical as a master plumber doing project management and estimating.

 

Corley was a faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous and maintained sobriety from January 31st, 1976 through the end of his life. During his participation in AA he was a beloved and friend to many.

 

Corley married Carmen E. Stickney on September 4th, 1982. They were faithful friends and partners throughout their marriage to the end of his life. Their daughter Caitlin Marie Benson, the light and love of their life, was born October 29th, 1987. Corley was faithful to his wife, daughter, friends and family members throughout his life and he will be dearly missed. 

 

He is survived by his wife Carmen Benson, his daughter Caitlin Pieper (Caley), his brother Jewett Benson (Barbara), his uncle Vernon Benson (Barbara) his sisters-in-law Karen Stickney, and Julie Neuhaus (Bernie), his nephews Jed Benson (Christine), Andrew Benson (Jodi), Shawn Flynn (Cynthia), Aaron Staples, his neices Jill Marchand (Matthew), Bethany Towel, Marti Jean Towel, and Shannon Flynn, and many beloved cousins and friends.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents Justin and Violet Benson, his grandparents Bertine and Bent Benson, Martha Kruger and John Schillingstad and other beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. 

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  1. Dear Carmen,

    I never met Corley but I know he was a wonderful man by the way that you spoke of him.

    You would always have a big smile on your face and I could tell how happy you were together. Thanks for sharing those stories with me and letting me get to know him through you 🙂

    I pray for your comfort and strength as you go through each day.

    Grace and Peace,
    Brenda;

    Reply

  2. New MexicoCB

    I will miss you my old friend. I have many cherished memories of those crazy times we shared in the 1970s and early 80s. They will no doubt keep me laughing and crying for years to come.

    Your friendship has added much to my life. You will always be the best right fielder we ever had. Making you laugh was not always easy but when you did show a little teeth if was something special.

    Adios my dear friend. Thanks for making me a better man.

    jk ;

    Reply

  3. Highlands Ranch Colorado Carmen and Caitlin,

    Tom and I were so sorry to hear that Corley lost his battle with cancer. We have such good memories of all three of you. He touched our lives deeply and will be missed by all that knew and loved him. I know he loved you both dearly and he showed that through his devotion every day. God bless you and God Bless Corley.;

    Reply

  4. St. Paul MNCarmen, I knew Corley many years ago, I was a very good man…I’m so sorry for your loss. Mary (McShane) Irestone;

    Reply

  5. To the family of Corley Benson,
    I’m very sorry about the loss of your loved one. From the many comments I could tell he was well-loved. I wanted to share the scriptural hope that has given me so much comfort. I hope it will help you also. The Bible shows that God did not intend for humans to suffer, grow old and die. (Romans 5:12). It also calls death an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26). God promises to remove death forever. (Isaiah 25:8). He also promises to soon restore the earth and humans to his original purpose for them. Then he will resurrect our loved ones onto a cleansed, paradise earth where we can welcome them back. (John 5:28,29 Psalm 37:10,11,29). Please visit jw.org to find satisfying answers from the Bible, free of charge. I truly am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Susan Novak;

    Reply

  6. Fargo North DakotaCorley was always a man of patience and ideas. He could speak to any plumbing technology and was always a great witness on how to let the other person be of more importance than himself.
    He will be missed.
    Larry Mayer;

    Reply

  7. Fargo ND

    Carmen,

    I am so very sorry to hear about Corley. He was such a great guy! I am sending you some prayers and hugs!;

    Reply

  10. Minneapolis MNCarmen,

    I was deeply saddened to hear the loss of Corley. Know that he will live in your heart forever. Take care.;

    Reply

  12. Aubrey TexasMy prayers go out to Corley`s family tonight as I just read of his passing in the Fargo paper. We were good friends growing up in Moorhead and having cottages next door to each other at Detroit Lakes. Boating and fishing and taking the boat to the Long Bridge for a snack. What fun we had. Had a chance to talk with him by phone a few months ago. We shared the yesterdays and the adult life lived and enjoyed him telling me of his travels and family. I know his Mother and Father were waiting to welcome him home. RIP my friend!;

    Reply

  13. Fergus Falls, MN Carmen, Caitlin, and all of the Benson family. I just learned of your loss this morning. My very deepest Sympathy to your whole family. I shall remember him as a very Kind and Caring man.;

    Reply

  14. Fargo North DakotaCarmen, I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you and Caitlan. I am out in Bismarck for awhile yet, but will have to get together. Hugs and love. Pam;

    Reply

  16. Minneapolis MNCarmen,

    I was deeply saddened to hear the loss of Corley. He will live in your heart forever! Take care now.;

    Reply

  17. Moorhead MNTuesday nights won’t be the same without seeing your smiling face, Corley. You will never know how many lives were changed by your strength and passion for sobriety. I feel lucky and blessed to have had the chance to know you and learn from you these past 12 years.;

    Reply

  18. Fargo ND

    Carmen, we are so sorry. Corley was a friend who will be missed by everyone who knew him. We are so sorry that we cannot be there with you at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.;

    Reply

  20. Portland OregonCarmen: I am praying for peace, calmness of spirit and the comfort of years of wonderful memories for you and your daughter. Your family and friends are here to listen to you and support you. My condolences at this time of deep sorrow. ;

    Reply

  21. I will miss Corley at AA meetings as I was at his first meeting years ago. he and I shared a lot of thoughts and advice to each other during those years in AA. I was also a general contractor in Fargo so I knew him professionally to. He was the best, I will miss you Corley My friend.;

    Reply

  23. PHILADELPHIA PennsylvaniaMy dear Carmen, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for you and your daughter to have strength for what is ahead. Remember the good memories.;

    Reply

  24. Carmen, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Caitlin during this difficult time. ;

    Reply

  33. Minneapolis MNCarmen,
    I’m so very sorry for you and your family. You are in everyone’s thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
    Candy;

    Reply

  34. Minneapolis MNCarmen, You and your family are in my prayers. May you be filled with the peace and consolation of our Lord.;

    Reply

  35. Fargo ND

    Corley has always been the same smart, witty, empathetic person that he was when we first met in 4th grade at Riverside Elementary in Moorhead in 1957. My thoughts are with you and your family.;

    Reply

  39. Carmen- My deepest condolence to you and your daughter. My heart breaks for you! Remember the great times you had with your dear Corley! You are in my thoughts and prayers.;

    Reply

  41. Carmen- My deepest condolence to you and your daughter. My heart breaks for you! Remember the great times you had with your dear Corley! You are in my thoughts and prayers.;

    Reply

  45. Fargo ND

    So sorry for your family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you now. Peace Carmen, Know that you and Corley were and are dearly loved.;

    Reply

  46. Phoenix AZCarmen – my heart aches for you as you go through this difficult time. Know that many people have you and your daughter in their thoughts and prayers right now.;

    Reply

  48. Moorhead MNI want to add my deepest sympathies to Carmen, Caitlin, Jewett, Barb, and all of Corley’s relatives and friends.;

    Reply

  49. Los Angeles Ca.Hi Carmen,
    I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Please let everyone take care of you now.
    ;

    Reply

  50. Carmen, my heart goes out to you and your daughter. Know that you are in my thoughts and I wish you peace, my friend.;

    Reply

  53. Carmen and Family,
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences at this this sad and trying time. Prayers and hugs to you. ;

    Reply

  55. Portland OR Carmne,

    I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoghts and prayers are for you and your family during this sorrowful time. ;

    Reply

  56. Moorhead MNMy good friend for 62 years, Corley was a talented singer, pianist, and mechanical wiz who had a wacky and wonderful sense of humor. Years and distance may have separated us at times. But he valued longevity and was loyal and true, as any friend should be. тАЬNow cracks a noble heart. Goodnight, sweet prince and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.тАЭ;

    Reply

  57. Fargo ND

    Oh Carmen…I am so very sorry….there isn’t anything I can say to make this feel right, as it isn’t…..I am so sorry for not seeing Corley more often…he was not a man of many words but I considered him a good friend….God Bless his memory and God Bless you and your daughter in this time of your loss.;

    Reply

  58. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember growing up with Caitlin and whenever we would be at her house he was always so nice to everyone. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Reply

  59. To those who loved Corley as I did – I share your grief

    Corley and I were best friends during sophomore and junior years at Moorhead High. I moved away to Minneapolis before senior year. We have been in touch a few times subsequently but not for several years. Today I wanted to speak with Corley again and was searching the internet for his phone number when I saw the obituary. My sorrow is overwhelming. Corley was as kind and honest a person as I have ever met. My deepest sympathy to his brother Jewett and his wife Barbara and all those who loved him.

    Reply

  60. Carmen, Caitlin. I have just learned this news. I am in shock and so very sorry. I absolutely adored Corley as a co-worker and friend while I worked at Grant’s next to him. He talked about the two of you often, especially of Caitlin. He had the best stories. He was a genius, well respected and the best teacher I could ask for as I started my career in engineering. He was always there to answer my questions after I left Fargo too, when I needed a realistic view on a plumbing system I designed. Thank you, Corley. I wish I could tell you this in person.

    Reply

  61. Hey there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!|

    Reply

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