BENSON, Burtis E. (1913-1968)

BENSON, DAVIES, MCFARLAND, RAUK, STROMMEN, BAKKE

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 5/1/2023 at 23:38:03

Dairy manager dies after heart attack; rites Saturday

Long time manager of the Forest City Cooperative Creamery association's plant, Burtis Edward Benson, died unexpectedly early Wednesday morning at Forest City municipal hospital following a heart attack. He was 54 years old.

Mr. Benson had been with the cooperative for the last 10 years following the merger of the Hanson Dairy and Strand Dairy with the cooperative. He first was manager of the milk processing department, then became overall manager of both the milk and creamery operation.

Prior to being associated with he cooperative, Mr. Benson was employed by the Hanson Dairy for 16 years.

He was born July 14, 1913, at Iowa Falls, the son of Edward and Eva Davies Benson. As a small child he moved with his parents to the Crystal Lake area.

He married Berniece McFarland Oct. 21, 1933, at Albert Lea. They farmed in the Crystal Lake area until coming to Forest City in 1941 when Mr. Benson was employed by the Hanson Dairy.

They are parents of two daughters, Mrs. Carlyle (Dixie) Rauk and Mrs. Dennis (Patricia) Strommen, both of Forest City.

Mr. Benson was a lifelong member of the Methodist church and was active in committees and the men's group of the Forest City Methodist church.

Survivors include his wife, two daughters, five grandchildren, Kerby, Scott, Jeffery and Kelly Rauk, and Kristeen Strommen; three brothers, Clyde Benson of Santa Monica, Calif., Arlyn Benson of Waterloo, and Forrest Benson of Maple Plain, Minn, and a sister, Mrs. Alvin (Gretchen) Bakke of Barstow, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dewain.

Funeral services for Mr. Benson will be held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the Forest City Methodist church with the Rev. Max E. Goldman officiating. The Olson funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

source: Summit, Forest City, Iowa, 25 Jan 1968, page 1, column 8