Obit: Benson, Ralph J. (1919 - 2010)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

Surnames: Benson, Bjerenson, Lavrence, Doherty, Heck, Mathis, Harrington, Bryan 
 

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) January 20, 2010 
 

Benson, Ralph J. (27 March 1919 - 11 January 2010) With Flag 
 

Ralph J. Benson, 90, of King died Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at Wisconsin Veteran’s Home, King. 
 

Ralph was born March 27, 1919, in Rockford, IL, the son of Ben and Randi Bjerenson.  He served in the U. S. Army from 1946 to 1947.  He married Frances Lavrence, June 1, 1951, at the Methodist parsonage, Neillsville. She died Oct. 14, 2001.  He farmed at Christie raising Brown Swiss cattle.  He also owned and operated a saw mill and did woodworking at Christie.  He resided at King since 2006.  Ralph was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and his service to his country.  
 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances, and one brother, Norman.  He is survived by one daughter, Mabel Benson of Milwaukee and one grandson, Luke Doherty of Chippewa Falls. 
 

Funeral services for Ralph were held at noon, Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at the Buchanan Funeral Home, Neillsville, with visitation one-half hour prior to the service.  Military rites were conducted by Haugen-Richmond Post 73 American Legion of Neillsville.   Burial was in the Neillsville Cemetery. 
 

Pallbearers were: Bennie Heck, Howie Mathis, Dick Harrington and Robert Bryan. 
 

The Buchanan Funeral Home of Neillsville assisted the family with arrangements.