Benson, Jerry 1934-2013

BENSON, CALLISON, LINCOLN, HANSEN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 7/4/2017 at 08:10:26

The Poweshiek County CR
April 17, 2013

JERRY BENSON, 78

Jerry Benson, 78, of Grinnell, died April 7, 2013, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 11, at the Grinnell United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rose Blank officiating. Pianist was Kathy O'Connor. Pallbearers were Clint, Dennis, Devin and Daniel Hansen, Bryan Benson and Marcus Hoksbergen. Burial was in Our Silent City Cemetery in Kellogg.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grinnell United Methodist Church, Jasper County Animal Rescue League or Windsor Manor in Grinnell.

Jerry was born May 10, 1934, in Kellogg, the son of Arthur Hollis and Frances Ardell Callison Benson. He was raised in Kellogg and was a graduate of Kellogg High School.

On April 24, 1954, he was united in marriage with Rosemary Lincoln, at the Kellogg United Methodist Church. The couple operated the Standard Oil service station in Kellogg for a few years and then moved to a farm east of Grinnell. In 1966, they moved to their present farm in Rock Creek Township. He was very active in the Grinnell Rural Fire Department.

Jerry had farmed for many years and through the years he was also employed at the Grinnell Implement Store, Grinnell Sale Barn, as a tractor mechanic for Kenny Jantzen and Sully Co-op. Later in life he was also seasonally employed for Farm Service. He was a member of the Farm Bureau, served on the Jasper County Zoning Board and was a trustee for Rock Creek Township. He was a volunteer for several years at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville. In 1970, his family was selected Farm Family of the Year in Jasper County and the Southeast Iowa District.

Jerry was very proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed attending most of their activities. He loved his life on the farm and all the work associated with the farm operation. He enjoyed baking, particularly cinnamon rolls, dancing and listening to country music. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and Jeff Gordon, and for many years enjoyed attending the sprint car races in Knoxville.

Survivors include three children, Sherry Hansen of Prairie City, Brett Benson of Oklahoma City, and Bart Benson of Gilman; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rosemary; one son, Terry Benson; and one brother.