Richard Benson, 82, of Stewart

Richard Benson, 82, of Stewart, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at Glencoe Regional Health Services Hospital.
The funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 9, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton with the Rev. R. Allan Reed officiating. Music was provided by Dawn Wolter, Robin Kruse, Phillip Benson and the St. John’s Men’s Quartet, Gary, Gene, Randy and Willard Kruse.
Casket bearers were Mr. Benson’s grandchildren, Rick Leiviska, Nathan Benson, Melissa Kremeier, Trent Benson, Dillon Gratz and Phillip Benson. Honorary casket bearers were also grandchildren, Jeremiah Leiviska, Alison Rickeman, Ashley Benson, Heather Benson, Elliot Gratz, Wilson Gratz, Josiah Benson, Julia Benson and Lydia Benson.
Interment was in the church cemetery.
Richard Dean Benson was born March 6, 1934, in Bismarck Township, Sibley County, the son of Graydon and Rose (Kramer) Benson. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gibbon, and later confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton. He graduated from Stewart Public High School, and continued his education at the University of Minnesota for two years.
On June 12, 1954, he was united in marriage to Rosella Streich at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton. They made their home in Collins Township, and were blessed with six children. Mr. Benson was a lifelong dairy and crop farmer. He and his wife had shared nearly 62 years of marriage before Mrs. Benson died on April 27, 2016.
Mr. Benson was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton. He served on church boards and sang in the church choir. He treasured Sundays at worship and Bible study, and had a deep love for the music of the church. He was involved in the agricultural community by serving on many area boards, including Stewart Creamery and Glencoe Butter and Produce. He loved farming, and he loved working together with his wife and family on the farm. He used the seasons, daily chores and other events to teach his children life lessons.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Doreen and Richard Leiviska of Apple Valley, David and Diane Benson of Stewart, Douglas and Marlene Benson of Stewart, Daniel and Merry Benson of Stewart, JoAnn and Bradley Gratz of Atwater and Doyle and Tonya Benson of Stewart; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law and their wives, Jerome and Marge Streich of Brainerd and Darroll and Marlene Streich of Stewart; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Graydon and Rose Benson; and his wife, Rosella.
Arrangements were with the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Stewart.