Gordon Benson, 72, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls.
The funeral to celebrate Gordon’s life was held on Monday, September 24, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Rev. John Golv and Rev. Ale Tulu officiating. Military honors were provided by the American Legion Post 117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.
Gordon Dennis Benson was born November 10, 1945 in Mentor, the son of Bennie and Nora (Gudmundson) Benson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He attended school in Mentor, graduating with the class of 1965.
On January 20, 1966, Gordie entered into service with the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany for most of his tour and worked as a surveyor. His last duty assignment was with Hq and Svc Btry 6th Bn 40th Arty 7th US. Gordie was Honorably Discharged on January 19, 1972.
At a dance at the Maple Lake Pavillion, Gordie met his future wife Deanne Hagen. They were married on June 14, 1969 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in McIntosh. She picked the date of June 14 – Flag Day – so he would never forget their anniversary. To this union two children were born, Stephanie and Timothy. The family made their home in McIntosh, Mentor and since 1976 have lived in Thief River Falls.

Gordie worked at the Red Lake Falls Silo Company for a short time and then started working at the Miller Fur Farm southeast of Thief River Falls. Gordie and Ronnie Vennes purchased the Mink Farm in 1980. After Ronnie’s death in 1983 Gordie owned and operated the business until 1992. Since then he has worked as a painter and mill operator for CHS and Scoular. He retired in August of 2018 due to his declining health conditions.
Gordie enjoyed playing bingo, bowling, playing softball, and his biggest enjoyment was watching his grandson Jacob in football and basketball and his granddaughter Teegyn being his little nurse. He was known as “the big marshmellow” by all of the friends of his kids because he had a hard time to say no to anybody. Gordie was a man who worked hard all his life, was very kind and he taught his children and their friends a strong work ethic. Gordie enjoyed spending every chance he could get with family and friends. Gordie loved reminiscing with his brothers and sisters about the younger days spent on the family farm.
Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years Deanne; daughter Stephanie (Brian Joppru) Benson; son Timothy Benson; grandson Jacob Joppru; granddaughter Teegyn Benson all of Thief River Falls; step-granddaughters Taylor & Ava Nelson; siblings Willard (Sharon) Benson, Carol (Harley) Kjos, Eugene (Cindy) Benson all of Mentor, Nick (Cathie) Benson of Baxter; sister-in-law Diane Benson of Mentor; all of Deanne’s family who were very important; and many other relatives and friends.
Gordon is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ancel “Speed”, Richard “Richie” and Reuben Benson; and sister Charlotte Broadwell.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com