James Daniel Benson 1935-2006

HOWE, BENSON, MAUSS, GAJEWSKI, WELLENDORF, BERNS, SANCHEZ

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 11/16/2006 at 20:54:46

James Daniel Benson

James Daniel Benson, 71, of New Albin and formerly of Elmhurst and Chicago, IL passed away October 30, 2006, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI.

A wake was held Thursday, Nov. 2, from 4 - 8 p.m. at the New Albin Towne House. Funeral services were Friday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in New Albin. The Kenneth Casey Post #5603 of the VFW provided military Honor Guard. Casket bearers were Jim Mauss, John Sanchez, Peter Berns, Byron Gajewski, Mike Wellendorf, and Larry Mauss.

A separate celebration of his life and interment will take place at a later date in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Gundersen Lutheran Foundation - Hospice Department. The Thornburg Hanson Funeral Home in Lansing assisted the family.

James was born January 5, 1935 in Evanston, IL, the son of James L. and Teresa (Howe) Benson. He attended St. Batholomew Grade School in Chicago and graduated in 1952 from Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, WI where he made many lifelong friends. His first career was as a Chicago policeman during the turbulent 1960's. He served one tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps before returning to his police duties. While working, he attended DePaul University in Chicago to earn both his undergraduate degree and his Juris Doctorate. He retired from the police department to practice law for a time in Elmhurst, and then began a 25-year career at Chicago Title and Trust Co. in Chicago. He retired in 1999.

Despite a debilitating stroke in 2000, he lived his remaining years to the fullest. With homes in New Albin and Sun City, AZ, he enjoyed traveling, visits with friends and family, his nightly cocktail, and the occasional prime rib. A strong, proud man, he showed a softer side with the loved ones in his life; his soul mate and devoted wife of 34 years, Mary (Mauss) Benson; daughter and son-in-law Mary T. and Byron Gajewski of Kansas City, MO; and a daughter Alison M. Benson of Elmhurst IL,

Over the past year, he found great joy in the newest member of the family, grandson Daniel Joseph Gajewski. This courageous, thoughtful, tenacious man lived life on his own terms and left this world on his terms. He will be deeply missed.

His extended family includes a number of Benson and Howe cousins, his in-laws: Bernard and Lucille Mauss and Dale Mauss of New Albin; Patricia & Jim Wellendorf of Lansing; Doris and Charles Berns of Harpers Ferry; and Rita and Jim Sanchez and Larry Mauss of La Crosse, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Waukon Standard, November 8, 2006