J.O. Benson

James Owen "J.O." Benson
May 12, 1945 - June 3, 2017

MASON CITY, IA - James Owen, "J.O. Benson, 72, of Mason City, died on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at his home after a brief, but brave fight with Leukemia. Per J.O.'s wishes, family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life, being held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at Mulligan's Bar and Grill, 2791 4th street SE, Mason City, IA 50401. His interment will be in Houston, MN on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, when there will also be a gathering to remember J.O. at the Houston American Legion from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the same day as the interment.

J.O. was born on May 12, 1945, in Spring Grove, MN to Joyce and Evelyn (Larson) Benson. He was united in marriage to Gwen Fick on December 21, 1968. Together they had two daughters.

Growing up in Houston, MN he enjoyed helping his family at the family restaurant, Benson's Café. He graduated from Houston High School in 1963. J.O. then attended Winona State University where he received a bachelor's degree in business. It was in college when J.O. met the love of his life, Gwen (Fick). In 1968, J.O. was drafted into the Vietnam War where he served as a staff sergeant for two years. During his time in Vietnam, he was honored with two bronze star medals.
J.O. and his bride moved to Mason City IA, here he was employed by Briggs Transportation. Later J.O. and Gwen moved to Brooklyn Park, MN and then to West Des Moines, IA while he was employed by RMS. It was an employment opportunity with Fast Food Merchandisers (FFM) that brought him and his family back to Mason City in 1982. He retired from FFM in 1994 and gladly took his watch off of his wrist.

Throughout his life J.O. was and avid Vikings and Twins Fan. He supported disabled vets, loved to golf, participated in his annual football club, and enjoyed listening to Rush Limbaugh on a daily basis. He spent many hours after retirement in his man cave creating great memories with his closest friends. J.O. was liked by many people and they all knew that they were welcome to come over to enjoy a PBR with him at any time.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Gwen Benson of Mason City; His daughters: Shannon (Doug) Bartz and Cassie (Nick) Haidin of Texas; his grandchildren: Jared and Avery Bartz, Neva and Cali Haidin; his siblings: Joycelyn Westby, David Benson and Doug Benson; his nieces, nephews and cousins along with his dear friends, such as Harvey and Gloria Reiss, Bobby Kolbet and many, many more. J.O. was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce and Evelyn.

Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Houston, MN is assisting the family with local arrangements.