William Norman Benson (2024)

BENSON, COLLINS FLAGG, GOODENOW, HARRIS, PFANNKUCH, RAMSEY, WAGENER, WALDEMAR, WELLENDORF, WHEELDON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 12/23/2024 at 07:49:59

Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
December 10, 2024
Page 3

William Norman Benson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on March 1, 1935, in Perham, Minnesota, to William Edward and Della (Ramsey) Flagg. After the passing of his mother shortly after his birth, he was lovingly taken into the care of his aunt and uncle, Charles and Ruth (Ramsey) Benson, at just eight months old, and was adopted by them in 1949. Bill graduated from Earlham Community Schools with the class of 1953, and was baptized as an adult in 1955 at the First Presbyterian Church in Earlham.

On February 13, 1955, Bill married the love of his life, Marjorie Harris, at her parents’ home in Earlham. The couple made their home in Schleswig and were blessed with five daughters: Tina, Christy, Sharon, Della, and Kimberly. After years of agricultural farming, Bill transitioned to a fulfilling career as a hog buyer for Farmland Foods, where he worked until his retirement in 1997, at the age of 62. Throughout his career, Bill meticulously tracked the purchase of over two million hogs-a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Bill was an active member of the United Church of Christ and served as the mayor of Schleswig. He was known in the community for his jolly role as Santa Claus, bringing joy and laughter to children for many years. Bill and Marge also shared a love for bowling, where they were part of a mixed league, and Bill proudly sponsored Marge’s team, “Bill’s Girls.”

A lover of the outdoors, Bill enjoyed fishing trips in South Dakota with friends and spent countless hours tending to his yard, flower garden, and vegetable garden. He was an ardent fan of the Minnesota Vikings and NASCAR, especially following Dale Jarrett, and cherished attending games and races with his family. His daughters hold fond memories of time spent together around the fireplace, creating moments of warmth and love. Bill’s devotion to his family was evident in the way he cherished his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Bill passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Gracewell-Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa, at the age of 89 years, eight months, and 25 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; adoptive parents; beloved wife, Marge; granddaughter, Lauren “Rudy” Goodenow; son-in-law, Craig Pfannkuch; great-grandson, Trig Collins; and sister, Neva (Ralph) Wheeldon.

Bill is survived by his five daughers: Tina (Brian) Wellendorf of Ida Grove, Chris Pfannkuch of Phoenix, Arizona, Sharon Benson of Des Moines, Della Goodenow (Jerry Kruse), of Lake View, and Kim (Brad) Waldemar of Deloit; eight grandchildren: Aleisha, Cody, Ashley, Robi, Maggie, Abby, Kenzie, and Macy; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great granddaughters; nephew, Chuck Wheeldon; niece, Joyce Wagener; sister-in-law, Cozette Harris of Stuart; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 2, 2024, at United Church of Christ in Schleswig, Iowa with Kirk Manchester officiating. Recorded musical selections included “Amazing Grace” by Alan Jackson and “Suppertime” by Jim Reeves. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Bill’s buddies: Gaylord Boeck, Jack Johnson, Wayne Miller, Doc Kastner, John Burnell, Joseph Sherman, Jack O’Brien, Steven Gilman and Harold Barnett. Serving as pallbearers were Cody Pfannkuch, Corey Collins, Tyler Collins, Nesffy Molina, Brian Steinkamp and Cameron Webb.

Following interment in the Morgan Cemetery in Schleswig, the family invited everyone to return to the church for a time of fellowship and lunch.

Services were entrusted to the Huebner Funeral Home.