Gary Arnold Benson, 65, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 10, 2025. He was born October 27, 1959, in Cumberland, WI to Arnold and Irene (Soltau) Benson, and graduated from Cumberland High School.

He chose the date and was married (in a blizzard) in Cameron on March 3, 1979, to Rita Castonia. Gary worked for Jerome Foods, Stella Cheese, and spent 43 years at Advance Food Products in Clear Lake, from which he recently retired.

Gary enjoyed spending time working on his garden, woodworking, and feeding the birds. On occasion, he liked to go fishing too.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Benson of Clear Lake; sons, Dale (Cindy) Benson of Jim Falls, and Daniel (Landy) Benson of Clayton; grandchildren: Katherine and James Benson; five step-grandchildren: Eduardo, Carlos, Casie, Kaira, and Krista; sisters, Debra (Brad) Colegrove of Clear Lake and Connie (Bruce) Miller of Turtle Lake; nieces, Hollie Colegrove, Stacey (Bill) Hanson, and Laura (Stan Jarocki) Miller; nephew, Scott (Amy) Colegrove; and other family and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Irene; and sister, Beverly.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Friday, February 21, 2025, at Skinner Funeral Home in Cumberland with Joe Goldsmith officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery. Pallbearers are Tim Soltau, Evan Brackey, Scott Colegrove, Brad Colegrove, Bruce Miller, and Eduardo Garcia. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM at the funeral home.

Last Update: Feb 12, 2025 1:25 pm CST