Milford Eugene BENSON

BENSON, JOHANSSEN, JAACKS, DODDS, BENSON-GRANT, GRANT, STABILE, MORRIS, HESSE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/23/2009 at 10:19:50

February 22, 2009
Sioux City Journal, Iowa

SIOUX CITY -- Milford "Benny" E. Benson, 82, most recently of Pleasantville, Iowa, formerly of Sioux City, and a native of Kanawha, Iowa, died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009, at the Pleasant Care Living Facility, as a result of complications from Alzheimer's disease with his eldest son, Joel, at his side. Services will be 3 p.m. Monday at Kanawha Lutheran Church in Kanawha, Iowa, with the Rev. Lee Nelson officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Kanawha Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. Monday preceding the funeral services at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond, Iowa.

Milford Eugene Benson, the son of Anton and Anna (Johanssen) Benson, was born Feb. 9, 1927, on his parents' farm in rural Hancock County, Twin Lake Township, near Kanawha. Milford, or as some people knew him as "Benny," attended Belmond Iowa schools. Milford served in the U.S. Navy where he trained as a medic during the end times of World War II. He had spent part of his military tenure on the maiden and only voyage of the USS Siboney. Milford was honorably discharged as a pharmacist mate 3rd class.

Milford was united in marriage to Patricia Aileen Jaacks on Dec. 19, 1948, at the Alexander, Iowa, United Methodist Church. Their union had the distinct characteristic of being the first marriage at the Alexander Church. Milford always loved to share the story of how he met Patricia, his wife and companion of more than 60 years, at the theater in Clarion. Following their union, the couple built a small home on Milford's parents' farm near Kanawha where they lived for a time. The couple's union was blessed with 10 children, including Melinda, Julie, Traci, Joel, Michael, Larry, Lee, James, Dale and Jacqueline.

Milford's lifelong career was in the trucking profession. For many years he drove trucks long distance throughout the country and had experienced many interesting adventures along the way. In later years of his work he was employed as truck dispatcher and broker. He had been employed by many different transportation companies in his chosen vocation. He had also spent some time farming in the Goldfield, Iowa, area in earlier years. Milford, Patricia and their family had lived in a variety of different communities including Kanawha, Alexander, Goldfield, Hampton, Kingsley, Le Mars, Merrill, South Sioux City, Sioux City, and since 2006, he had been living in Pleasantville at the care facility. Milford and Patricia had done some traveling throughout their lives. One of their favorite pastimes was to take camping trips. They relished each and every opportunity to hook up the camper and go on an excursion, whether it was an occasion with the Shriner's camping units, or an adventure to Brown's Lake, Branson, Mo., South Sioux, Yankton, S.D., or any other place they could go to spend time in the outdoors and presence of their family and friends. Milford and Patricia loved to go dancing. He loved all kinds of country music and was especially fond of performers such as Mel Tillis, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Charlie Pride and, of course, Allison Kraus, whom he had seen perform in one of her more recent concerts. His love of music was a lifelong passion as in earlier years he had played the steel guitar, and he also loved to share his wonderful singing voice. Milford enjoyed flying and held his pilot's license for many years. He loved animals and truly enjoyed his dogs. Milford enjoyed woodworking and helping his family and friends when they needed a hand in a project or task. For many years he was the transportation support crew for his son, Joel and others' RAGBRAI touring teams.

Milford was always a people person who loved to help others. He shared this wonderful gift over many years of service in the Masons and Shriners organizations. One would often find Milford helping out with a variety of tasks at the Abu Bekr Shrine Temple in Sioux City, serving at fundraiser breakfasts, steak dinners, game nights and at various other occasions. He had also assisted with many of the Shrine Circuses. Milford was also an active member of the United Methodist Church in Sioux City for many years. Those who had the privilege of crossing in Milford's life journey will remember him as a gentleman who was always interested in putting the needs of others before his own, even in the later years of his life. They will cherish memories of his light-hearted humor and kindness and, of course, his spinning a good story and often throwing in a good joke now and then. He could always grab one's attention when he started in on one of his famous Ole and Sven stories or jokes.

Milford's life and legacy will be cherished in the lives of his wife, Patricia, most recently residing in Gladstone, Mo.; his children, including his daughters, Melinda (John) Dodds of Castle Rock, Colo., Julie (Dan) Benson-Grant of North Kansas, Mo., Traci Stabile of Gladstone, Mo., sons, Joel (Susie) Benson of Urbandale, Iowa, Michael (Terry) Benson of Murphy, N.C., Larry (Sonya) Benson of Springfield, Mo., Lee Benson of Sioux City, and James Benson of Sparks, Nev.; 33 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Dale Hilding Benson; a daughter, Jacqueline Susan Benson; a daughter-in-law, Tracy Morris Benson; three sisters; six brothers; a granddaughter, Amanda Benson; and a great-granddaughter, Jennifer Hesse.

Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Milford's name may wish to consider the Alzheimer's Association, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, or their own choice. Cards and memorials may also be sent to the family c/o Joel Benson, 6809 Brookview Drive, Urbandale, IA 50322.