Gerald Semart Benson

About Gerald

Gerald S. Benson, 95, recently of Bemidji, MN, formerly of Fergus Falls, MN passed away on Sunday April 21,2024, at the Minnesota Veterans Home of Bemidji, MN.

Gerald was one of twenty-two residents at the new Veterans Home in Bemidji, moving there on February 22, 2024. Previously he had been a resident for the past two years at the Fergus Falls Veterans Home.

Gerald was born on July 14, 1928 in a farm house in Gordonsville, MN and his family later relocated to a farm near Osage, MN. Gerald served in the Army from November 1950-November 1952, and was a Reservist from November 1952 to November 1956.

He married the love of his life, Ellen (Makela) Benson, on June 16, 1956 in Sebeka, MN, after being hand-picked from other available women in Park Rapids by Gerald’s mother.

Gerald was an outdoor enthusiast enjoying many hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, four wheeling and camping adventures with his family and friends. He along with others enjoyed various travels to Alaska, Hawaii, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand and ocean cruises.

He worked for OtterTail Power for 43 years, starting by digging post holes by hand in North Dakota, linesman, service representative and finishing his career as the line methods supervisor.

He and his wife owned West Central Campers and ran it out of their home in Fergus Falls for more than twenty-five years. After retirement, he and his wife wintered in Yuma, AZ and enjoyed their time living on Heilberger Lake near Fergus Falls for twenty years. Most weren’t aware that he and others started the first flock of geese in Fergus Falls.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Semart and Hilda Benson, sister Gladys (Norman) Carlson; brothers James (Alyce) Benson and Thomas (Terry) Benson.

Gerald is survived by his wife Ellen Benson, of Bemidji, MN, formerly of Fergus Falls, of 67 years; daughter Cheryl (Bradley) Buck of Tenstrike, MN, Susan Benson-Schultz of Bemidji, MN, formerly of Fergus Falls, MN, son Steven (Tracy) Benson of Brainerd, MN; Five grandchildren Heidi (Nick) Toso of Fergus Falls, MN, Anna (Alex) Whitlow of Bemidji, MN, Katie (Joe) Wagner of Crystal, MN, Nicole Benson of Brainerd, MN and Stephen Schultz of Woodbury, MN. Gerald is survived by his two great-grandchildren Sutton & Parker Toso of Fergus Falls, MN.

He lived a full and adventurous life throughout his years. His stories will continue to be told by those who knew and loved him.

A special thank you to the staff of both the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls and Bemidji, MN.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Gerald

April 24, 2024

Cease Family Funeral Home 2807 Irvine Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m., at the Riverside Cemetery in Osage, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home