Richard J. Benson

BENSON, Richard J. "Dick"
of Portage, Michigan Passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Mr. Benson was born May 6, 1924 in Hannaford, ND to the late Harvey and Mabel Larson Benson. He graduated from Western Michigan University as a 2nd Lieutenant of the Marine Corps, where he met Elaine Decker and married in 1946. Elaine preceded him in death. Richard served in the U.S. Marine Corps from December of 1942 until honorably discharged in January of 1946. Residing in the Portage and Kalamazoo area, he was self-employed as a demolition contractor. He was a longtime member of St. Monica Parish in Kalamazoo. He was also a member of the Sons of Norway, Fraternal Order of Eagles and a lifetime member of the American Legion. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. Surviving Richard are his children, Brent Sue Benson of Comstock, Linda Jim VanderVeen of Schoolcraft; 2 grandsons and 1 granddaughter; 4 great grandsons; 3 sisters, Geraldine Westley, Mary Harry Hiebert and Ruth Ron Berge, and; devoted companion, Phyllis Thorsen, her children and grandchildren. Preceding him in death were brothers, Arvid Benson, Homer Benson, Robert Benson twin brother to Richard, George Benson and; sister, Dorothy Wahl. No visitation is scheduled. Catholic Mass will be held on Thursday, August 14th , 11:00AM at St. Monica Catholic Church, 4408 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, Rev.Fr. Lawrence Farrell, officiating. Graveside services will follow at 1:30PM in Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. A luncheon will follow the committal service, at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Schoolcraft. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 2300 Portage St., Suite 341, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 or Spectrum Hospice, 750 Fuller Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 in Grand Rapids, MI. www.langelands.com 343-1508