08/26/1922 – 08/25/2012
Art Benson, age 89, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 25, 2012 in Bellingham, WA. He was born August 26, 1922 in Cadillac, MI, the son of the late Arthur and Anna (Swanson) Benson. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Michigan Tech in Mechanical Engineering. Art worked as a Mechanical Engineer for Kimberly Clark in Neenah, WI. He married Tessa Waite on June 14, 1947 in Manton, MI. They made their home in Neenah, Wisconsin in 1950 and then moved to the Town of Vinland in 1964. Art’s wife Tessa passed away in 1997. For the last 6 years Art has made his home in Bellingham, WA. He is survived by his four children; Karolyn Benson- Williamson (husband Steve), Richard Benson (wife Barbara Luikens), Kathryn Keister (husband Bradley), Reginald Benson, seven grandchildren; Will Benson, Jennifer, Kirsten and K. Ellen Keister and Alexander (wife Alena), Nicholas and Katie Benson;, one great-grandchild Catherine Quinn Hanna, sisters; Lucille Peterson (husband Joe) and Bernice Wondergem, brothers; Hartley Benson and Robert Benson, and many loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Tessa Benson, son Ronald Benson, sisters; Mildred Benson and Dorothy George and brother Leonard Benson. A Memorial Service will be held at Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac, MI on Saturday, September 1st at 2 PM. Burial will be in Greenwood Township Cemetery, Manton, MI. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Art Benson Deacon Fund at The Church @ Bakerview, 414 W. Bakerview Rd. Bellingham, WA 98226. This fund was created to aid unemployed construction workers in the Bellingham area.