"This man was one of the most amazing men to step into my life. He had a fantastic personality. I have nothing but good memory of him. I truly miss him and I admire how strong he was. I wish I could thank him for showing me the important things in life. If his wonderful wife sees this, Thank you ma\'am for everything you and your family have done for me. Sorry for your loss and to all of your family and close friends."
In loving memory of
David Benson
June 17, 1940 - November 6, 2019
David ("Dave") E. Benson, 79, of Houston, MN, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at home surrounded by loving family following a valiant battle with leukemia.
Dave was born June 17, 1940, in Aurora, IL to the late Arthur and Edith (Marquardt) Benson. He graduated from Hinckley-Big Rock High School. Dave married Annabelle Eberly; they later divorced. In 1984, he married the love of his life, best friend and confidant Marsha (Carlson) Chapel and they merged two families into one.
While serving in the US Air Force in Japan, Dave was assigned to the NSA and obtained top secret security clearance in Crypto security. After leaving the US Air Force, Dave farmed in Big Rock, IL and in 1972, relocated to Houston, MN. He was a dairy and crops farmer until 1992, worked for several greenhouses, and in 2005, Dave retired as a custodian at Houston Public Schools. He served on the American Legion Honor Guard and his hobbies included gardening, woodworking and crocheting.
Dave is survived by his wife, Marsha, of Houston, MN, two sons and four daughters, Steve (Christine) Benson of Zumbro Falls, MN, Deb (Tim) Bauer of Trempealeau, WI, Lisa (James) Kaiser of Baldwin, WI, Emily (Scott) Bloomquist of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, Heidi (Chad) Eggersgluss of Forest Lake, MN, Kenneth M (Stephani) Chapel, Jr of Tucson, AZ; daughter-in-law Dawn Benson of Rapid City, SD; 25 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Nancy Niles. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jeff, grandson Devyn, daughters-in-law Tina and Cher, and sister Sandy.
The celebration of Dave's life will be Tuesday, November 19 at 11:00 at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, MN, preceded by an hour visitation and followed by lunch. Burial will immediately follow at the Stone Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, November 18, 2019, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Hoff Funeral Home in Houston, MN. As Dave wished, he was cremated. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Houston Area Cancer Support, Inc. in his memory. Please share a memory of Dave at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"My condolences to you Marsha"
"Sympathy to Marsha and family. "
"Our sympathy to the entire Benson family. Dave was such a nice man and will be missed by many."
"So sorry for your loss, Marsha, and family. God's blessings to you all."
"Our Sympathy to Marsha and family!"
"Sympathy to the family. "
"Dear Dave, you were the best brother-in-law a girl could ask for! You made my sister so happy, the love you two shared was a joy watch - I remember when you guys first started dating you couldn?t be apart from each other even to go to the bathroom- we all laughed about that, you two had a special kind love right from the beginning and it just grew stronger every day! You keep an eye on your girl from above and I will try to watch over her here. Sure will miss you and our talks, Davy Baby!"