Obituary of Russell Thomas Benson

Russell Thomas Benson, 79, a lifelong resident of Cromwell and Wright died Sunday, April 11, 2004 in Villa Vista Nursing Home in Cromwell. He was born December 10, 1924 in Cromwell to Thomas and Mable (Gravelle) Benson. He graduated from Cromwell High School in 1942. Russell was a WWII Army Veteran serving in Germany. After the war, he returned to Cromwell and worked at Wood Conversion and later Conwed. He worked for the company for 33 years, retiring in 1980. He was a member of the Hebert Kennedy VFW in Cloquet. Russell enjoyed cutting firewood, walking and gardening. In his younger years, he enjoyed motorcycling, traveling and dancing. Russell was preceded in death by his daughter, Judith Benson and a brother, Maurice Benson. He is survived by his special friend of 26 years, Violet Wartianen of Cromwell; his son, Matt (Jeanne) Benson of Hoyt Lakes; two grandchildren, Jason (Cheryl) Benson and Betsy (Jim) Karkinen, both of Hoyt Lakes; three great grandchildren, Chloe Benson, Samantha and Gus Karkinen; and his aunt, Helen Benson of Wright. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 in Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St. in Cloquet. Military Honors were accorded by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Cromwell.