Thomas H. Benson, 89, comfortably passed away in palliative care at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, N.D. on April 29, 2017.
Tom was born to Governor Elmer A. and Frances Benson of Appleton, Minnesota on February 3, 1928. He married Leatrice Carlson of Appleton on June 30, 1950, who continues to live near their Appleton farm.
Tom is survived by his wife, Leatrice Benson; their four children, Edward Benson (Ping Li), John Benson, Louise Kack (Jeff), and Geri Benson (Bob Bonnett); six grandchildren, Sam Benson (Rachel Caissie), Adia Gundry (Alex), Brian Benson (Rachel), Thomas Kack (Erica), Shane Kack (Brianna Appel), and Jennifer Kack; and, three great-grandchildren, Eli and Charlie Benson and Hallie Kack.
Tom and Leatrice enjoyed farming all their lives and were active in farming and political issues, including advocating for farm prices and rural issues in Washington, D.C. Tom had toured the fields and its readiness for planting only a few days before his passing. Tom was a veteran and active in the American Legion and was active with the Masons all his life.
Tom and Leatrice led very active lives, spending winter months at their family cabin on Lake Superior in Lutsen, and working at the Lutsen ski area where all their children and grandchildren learned to ski or enjoy winter activities. In the summer months, they enjoyed hosting their children and grandchildren at their Battle Lake, Minnesota cabin where they all learned to swim.
Leave a Reply