Max E. Benson

RUSHFORD, MINN. - Max E. Benson, 74, of rural Rushford, died on Saturday, April 12, 2008, at his home. Max was born on July 21, 1933, in Alexander, Iowa to Dale and Hazel (Arends) Benson. He was raised in Alexander until he was 16, when his family moved to Grand Meadow, Minn. He was a 1950 graduate of Elkton High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. On January 21, 1961, Max married Bev Larson in Austin, Minn. Max and Bev moved to Peterson, Minn. in 1964, and in 1975 moved to their current residence east of Rushford. Max farmed all of his life. He was a member of Rushford Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday school for over 20 years. Max was past commander of the VFW in Rushford. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Rushford, The Minnesota Thoroughbred Association, Registered Red Angus Association, Money Creek Township Board, and was one of the originators of the Root River Saddle Club. Horses, cattle, conservation and most of all his grandchildren were the passions of his life. Max is survived by his wife Bev; one son: McLean (Becky) Benson of Winona, Minn.; three daughters: Tracy (Dana) Coulter of Rushford, Toni (Kenny) Highum of Rushford, and Terri Benson of St. Paul, Minn.; six grandchildren: Jacob, Tyler, Shane, Cody, Kyra and Tanner; three brothers: Rex Benson of Plano, Texas, Reg (Diane) Benson of Grand Meadow, Minn., and Duane (Melissa) Benson of Lanesboro, Minn.; two sisters: Dixie (Ron) Mathews of Rhinelander, Wis. and Val Jean (Tom) Thorsen of Grand Meadow, Minn.; one sister-in-law: Darlene Benson of Grand Meadow, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Tricia, and one Brother, Dale. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at Rushford Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be at the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery with military honors by the Rushford American Legion. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Hoff Funeral Homes Rushford Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Please feel free to sign Max's online guestbook, leave a memory, and view his tribute video at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/?id=14924