Cover photo for Laurel  D. Benson's Obituary
Laurel  D. Benson Profile Photo
1925 Laurel 2015

Laurel D. Benson

May 11, 1925 — February 20, 2015

Laurel D. Benson, age 89, of Pine Island passed away on Friday, February 20, 2015 at the Pine Haven Care Center.
Laurel Dayton Benson was born on May 11, 1925 in Caledonia, MN to Everett and Helen (Houge) Benson. He attended Yucatan Brick School #11 and graduated from Houston High School in 1942. Laurel entered the U.S. Navy on November 23, 1943. While in the Navy he attended Valley City Teachers College, University of Dubuque and Iowa State University. Laurel was honorably discharged on June 23, 1947. Laurel earned his BS in Education in 1957 from Winona State University and an Education Specialist Degree from the University of Minnesota. On June 23, 1951 he married Anita Joan Page in Onalaska, WI. Laurel taught mathematics in White Bear Lake for nine years, before becoming Coordinator of Media Services in Rochester. In 1983 he was presented with a US Fulbright Award to China.
Laurel was a member of the National Education Association, Education Curriculum and Instruction, American Library Association, Minnesota Media Association, American Legion Post in Houston, MN for seventy years, and also was a Past Commandeer, Video Deposition, AARP Volunteer serving as a driving instructor for 55 Alive and was a former Boy Scout Leader. After he retired, Laurel organized Benson's Customized Tours, Inc. and traveled to China, Russia, Thailand, South America, Singapore, Malaysia and Africa.
Laurel was especially fond of the Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2011 in which he participated. Laurel was an active member of Saint Paul Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council. He enjoyed family activities, traveling, presenting ‘arm chair' travel experiences for various organizations, driving for Budget-Rent-A-Car and repairing small items.
Laurel is survived by his wife, Anita, children, Brian (Claressa Monterio) Benson of Singapore and Laura (Joseph) Marotta of Albany, NY; grandchildren, Steven (Crystal) Marotta, Misha and Dante Benson; great grandchild, Arlo Marotta; sister, Juanita (Alan) Buckel; sisters-in-law, Joan Benson and Kathryn Page and many nieces and nephews.
Laurel was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Helen Benson; brothers, Virgil and Wayne Benson; sister-in-law, Marie Benson and brother-in-law, Earl Page.
Laurels family would like to thank the staff of Pine Haven Nursing Home for all care and concern.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Houston, Minnesota in May of 2015.
Local arrangements were with the Mahn Family Funeral Home - Mahler Chapel in Pine Island.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Laurel D. Benson, please visit our flower store.

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