Jon Herman Benson was born on July 3, 1942 in Austin, MN to Herman and Clara (Biladeau) Miller. He was adopted in January 1948 by Clarence and Iva May Benson of Dunnell, MN. Jon attended grade school in Dunnell and graduated from Sherburn High School. In 1960, Jon joined the US Navy and served during the Cuban Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1963. On October 12, 1963 Jon was united in marriage to Rena Carlson at Waverly Lutheran Church, rural Trimont, MN. Jon received an Associates Degree after attending Mankato Commercial Business College. He worked as a salesman for Elk River Concrete Products out of Elk River, MN. Jon worked for Municipal Castings in Madison, MN. Jon was medically retired in 1998. In 2006 Jon and Rena moved from Madison to Austin, MN. Jon was an outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting and collecting guns. He was quick witted with a great sense of humor and enjoyed pulling pranks. Even in failing health, his quick wit and humor never failed him. Jon died on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at his home in Austin.

Jon is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rena Benson of Austin, MN; one daughter, Julie Lowery and husband Robert of Des Moines, IA; two sons, William Benson of Aurora, CO, Glen Benson and wife Karie of Cedar Falls, IA; two grandchildren, John Michael Benson and Samantha Ann Benson; one sister, Doris Kent and husband Peter of Salina, KS; one brother, Duane Miller and wife Janet of Faribault, MN; his mother-in-law, Agnes Carlson of Truman; one sister-in-law, Eloise Miller of Truman; four brothers-in-law, Tim Timmerman of Austin, MN, Leland Carlson of Trimont, Lynn Carlson and wife Jackie of Waseca, MN, Charles Carlson and wife Carol of Fairmont and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his adopted parents and eleven brothers and sisters.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Second Chance for Life Foundation.

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