A celebration of life for Reggie R. Benson will be held from 2-6 p.m., on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Old 7th Event Center in Racine, Minn.
Reggie Benson, age 82, of Grand Meadow, Minn., died Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – St Marys Campus in Rochester, Minn.
He was born August 22, 1943, in Belmond, Iowa, to Dale F. and Hazel (Arends) Benson. Reggie graduated from Grand Meadow High School in 1961. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1965 and was sent to Korea where two of his brothers had also served. Following his discharge from the Army, he was united in marriage to Diane Dube on September 23, 1967. They lived in the Grand Meadow area all their lives. Reggie started working for the Minnesota State Highway Department in 1969 and continued to work there until his retirement in 2001. Reggie and Diane also farmed and raised horses, donkeys, and fainting goats. He enjoyed sports and playing ball with his kids and grandchildren. He also enjoyed camping at Forestville State Park, riding horses and mules, and going to “thousands” of sporting events for his children and grandchildren. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and being a part of a close-knit community. Reggie was a member of the Grand Meadow American Legion and was grateful to be chosen as a member of the Honor Flight last spring. He was also a proud member the International Fainting Goat Association and the Minnesota Mule and Donkey Association. Reggie was widely known for his wit and dry sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Diane of Grand Meadow, his children: Jason (Denise) Benson of Reno, Nev., Cray (Tracy) Benson of Grand Meadow and Slone (Bryan) Suess of Kasson; grandchildren: Zack (Beth) Benson, Jessica (Kyle) Huneke, Bryce (Joclyn) Benson, Blake Benson, Kyle Benson, Joshua Benson and Peyton, Mya, and Easton Suess; five great-grandchildren: Ellis and London Benson, Leo Benson, and Lennox and Hazel Huneke. He is also survived by two sisters, Dixie Mathews of Rhinelander, Wis., and ValJean (Tom) Thorsen of Grand Meadow; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Dale, Max, Rex and Duane.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to: Lions Hope, 4610 Island Lake Drive, Duluth, MN 55803.
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