David Benson

David Sheldon Benson was born at home in rural Murdock, Minnesota to Raymond and Selma Benson on April 26, 1937. He joined his older brother Stanford at home, and later welcomed younger sister Sharon. He lived on the farm with his family until he graduated from Murdock High School in 1955.

David had many adventures with friends after graduating from high school but his love of the land brought him back to the Murdock area where he went to work for Falk Farms.  Christmastime 1963 brought Dave to the Twin Cities where he was working at a Christmas tree lot and was reacquainted with Connie Ronholdt.  They were married on August 15, 1964.  In 1966, they started their family and a year later moved to Wheaton where he began working for Roger Schmidt and got back to his love of farming, the outdoors and using his hands to fix, build and create. During this time he also drove and managed school buses, getting kids to and from school and activities.  After his time with Roger, Dave owned and operated the Sports Shack in Wheaton and also spent several years as a hail adjuster, a job he truly enjoyed.

Dave’s favorite things included time with his family, friends and grandkids, creating projects in his tool shed, hunting, fishing, time at the cabin on Lake Melissa, time with his beloved four legged friends (including dogs, cows, horses and pigs) and hanging out with his beloved wife of 57 years, Connie. During the 54 years he lived in Wheaton, he was very involved in his church at Good Shepherd Lutheran, activities and events at Wheaton Public Schools, an active member (and Cancer survivor) with the American Cancer Society, and a very active member of his community.

Dave had many issues with his health over the years but was known for his resilience, strong faith and amazing attitude in overcoming obstacles that were put in his path.  Dave passed away at the Traverse Care Center, surrounded by his loving family and blessed with spending his final earthly days with many loving friends.

Dave is survived by his wife Connie, his daughter Kristi (Corrie) Wesolowski and their sons Devon, Conner and Owen, his daughter Mary Schenck (Paul), his son Matthew Benson and daughters Macie and Tessa, (Great Grandsons Finn and Asher). His sister Sharon (Dale) Koenen, nephews Todd and Ric, nieces Carmen and Jill.  Sister-in-law Betty (Dale) Alsaker, niece Karen (Jeff) and nephew Marshal (Lisa).  Special sons Larry (Missy) Vipond and Andrew Walker-Hannemann.

Dave is preceded in death by his father Raymond, his mother Selma, his brother Stanford, his sister-in-law Barb, his father-in-law Alvin, his mother-in-law Helga, and his son-in-law Cale.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wheaton with Rev. Cheryl Berg officiating.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 7th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. Prayer Service and Time of Sharing at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Visitation will continue Friday morning one hour prior to service time at the church.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton, Minnesota at a later date. Urn bearers will be Devon Wesolowski, Conner Wesolowski, Owen Wesolowski, Macie Benson, Tessa Miller and Andrew Walker-Hannemann.