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Mark Amussen Benson

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East High School Brigham Young University Stanford University

FUNERAL HOME

Larkin Mortuary - Salt Lake City

260 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah

Mark Benson Obituary

Mark Amussen Benson
1929 - 2012
Mark Amussen Benson, age 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 29, 2012, at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, after a short illness. He spent the last hours of his life with all of his family around him.
Mark was born on May 2, 1929, in Salt Lake City, to Ezra Taft and Flora Smith Amussen Benson, the second eldest of six children. His childhood years were spent in Boise, Idaho; Berkeley, California; and Bethesda, Maryland. Mark nearly died as a young man from asthma but was cared for and nurtured by his loving parents and family. When the Bensons relocated to Utah, Mark graduated from East High School and later earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Brigham Young University in 1952. He continued his studies at Stanford University where he earned a master's degree in education in 1953.
While at BYU, Mark was active in a host of organizations, including Phi Eta Sigma, Blue Key, and served as Homecoming chairman. The highlight of Mark's time at BYU, however, was when he met, courted, and married Lela Wing of Raymond, Alberta, Canada. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on December 30, 1952. Mark and Lela made their home in Utah, Texas, and Indiana, and would become the parents of six children, 34 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Mark's greatest moments in life were the times he spent with his family on outings, at concerts, at sporting events, and at family reunions. All of them will always remember his example of Christ-like charity and his undeviating devotion to the restored Gospel.
Professionally, Mark had aspirations of becoming an educational administrator and he pursued this path being named the first director of the BYU Adult Education Center in Ogden, Utah. However, as a gifted speaker, skilled marketer, and consummate salesman, Mark followed his innate talents and was hired in his first sales position with Rena-Ware Distributors. Mark was then recruited to be a regional and, subsequently, a national manager for the Saladmaster Corporation of Dallas, Texas. He would eventually become president of a Saladmaster division, Castlewick Corporation. His community service included membership in the Salt Lake City Rotary Club and President of the Pioneer Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.
While his professional obligations always kept Mark busy, he never "refused a calling nor resisted release" within the LDS Church, a principle he always taught his family and missionaries. From an early age, Mark's parents instilled in him a love for the Holy Scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon and his life-long Church service reflected this abiding commitment. He influenced countless lives for good through his service, and his church callings which included: full-time missionary in the Eastern States Mission; Home Teacher; High Councilor; Mission President of the Indiana-Michigan Mission; Member of the YM/YW General Board; Regional Representative; Bishop; Stake President; Patriarch; and Sealer in the Salt Lake Temple. Mark was able to seal four of his grandchildren to their spouses in the last few weeks of his life, much to the joy of his family. The memories of these recent sealings will remain with Mark's family forever. Three of Mark's grandchildren are currently serving full-time LDS missions.
Mark is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 60 years, Lela, and their six children: Stephen Reed of Gilbert, Arizona; Stephanie Young (David) of Sandy, Utah; Stacey Ann Reeder (Martin) of South Jordan, Utah; Margaret Ferry (Benjamin) of Corinne, Utah; Mary Richards (Ryan) of Pleasant Grove, Utah; and Michael Taft (Debi) of Cedar City, Utah. He is also survived by his five loyal and loving siblings: Reed (May), Barbara Walker (Robert, deceased), Beverly Parker (James), Bonnie Madsen (Lowell), and Beth Burton (David). The family wishes to extend their profound gratitude to Mark's doctors and caregivers, especially to the dedicated staff of Care Source. They also give particular thanks to Mark and Lela's faithful home teacher of over 30 years, Dr. Merrill Wilson, to the members of the Ensign 1st Ward, and to their dear friends and faithful neighbors, Vernon and Loretta Rice.
A viewing will be held at the Larkin Mortuary (260 East South Temple) on Friday, August 3rd, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the Ensign Stake Center (135 "A" Street) on August 4th (the birthday of Mark Benson's father, President Ezra Taft Benson) at 11 a.m. A viewing will also be held prior to the services from 9 to 10:30 a.m at the Ensign Stake Center. Interment services will be held in Whitney, Idaho.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Aug. 1 to Aug. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Benson

50 Entries

LaRue Bailey

July 26, 2021

I dearly love President Benson. Serving under him in the mission field was wonderful. Sure Love You!

Peg Andrus

July 26, 2019

It is hard to believe that President Benson has been gone for seven years. I went to the cemetery in Whitney, Idaho where he is buried and realized he passed away July 29, 2012 and saw that our dear Mission Mom passed away September 29, 2016. They are such a lovely couple and taught us so many things. We would have such fun as well as spiritual feasts while I served in the Mission Home. I can remember trying to think of excuses to go into President Benson's office just to speak to him. I especially remember one time when I went into his office to speak to him and there was a beautiful light that radiated all about his person. It was a very sacred experience.
One day President Benson called in the Elder's who had been playing tackle football and had a private meeting with all involved. (One of those Elders had broken his collarbone in the game.) We were wanting to know the outcome of that meeting. When they came out of their meeting I asked the Elder's what was said. He said, "We are not quite sure, but let's just say this, We will never play tackle football again while in the missionfield."
Sister Benson was always so sweet and kind to us. She had a way of making us smile. Very fun loving and dignified. She liked to serve us a lot of healthy vegetables.
The Mission Home had a room downstairs that was completely soundproof and walls and the ceiling were covered in cedar wood. The Elders would go into that small room and and pound on each other. Goofy guys! We used to sing a song about that. "The rooms for you, it will keep you true blue, when you come to the Mission Home.
We loved singing the Mission Song and President & Sister Benson made sure we knew the Michigan and also the Indiana State Songs. I loved that. I have taught the Michigan State song to our grandchildren. We grew to love the states and area we served in. I loved how goal oriented President was. One month we were told to work hard and that our goal was 100 baptisms. That was a lot for our mission. We had never accomplished that many before in one month. We all worked diligently . President Benson believed and conveyed his trust in us that we could obtain our goal. His encouragement and cheering us on each week was inspiring.
I had the good fortune of being in the Mission Home when the totals came in that evening at the end of the month. The last district to call in was one that didn't ever have much in the way of baptisms. To our amazement when the number was revealed.....it was enough! We made 100!!! We were ecstatic! I will always remember how hard we worked all month to attain that lofty goal. President Benson was a shaker and a mover.
Such inspiration we always felt in his presence.
Years later while I was serving in the Stake Relief Society Presidency President and Sister Benson agreed to be our keynote speakers for Women's Conference. I shall always treasure that time as well. Sister Benson's family had history here in Lehi. She was so genuine and funny. We laughed and cried at the talk she gave and the love we felt.
President Benson gave a beautiful talk as well and you could feel the love and warmth from both of them the entire time they spoke. What an amazing gift is mine to have them in my life.
One last memory I have is the deep love they have for their children. I saw it first hand in the Mission Home.Watching them raise their children while serving was really special. They have left an rich and eternal heritage that will always live on. I believe their motto could be something like, "Blessings require action." And they truly lived that motto all their lives. May God bless President and Sister Benson's children and grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and the noble heritage they carry. With love, Sister Preece (Andrus)

Brian Brown

July 26, 2019

Its been almost FIFTY YEARS since I served as a missionary under him in Michigan & Indiana. Not a day goes by that I dont think of his wonderful words and counsel. Sure Love You Pres Benson.

Dcott Shelley

July 12, 2017

So many years ago - So many great things to read of his service along with Sister Benson. Yes, the Indiana Michigan Michigan Mission was wonderful. I treasure my "Meet the Mormons" book that, to this day, holds the picture of President and Sister Benson w/ Mary at the Mission Home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Now 66 and retired I owe so much to the strength President Benson instilled in me during my mission. My mother visited our mission just before passing away (loved Mt. Pleasant, Michigan where I served being from Mt. Pleasant, Utah. She lived to visit the mission having heard how wonderful the experience was for me. D. Scott Shelley

August 23, 2012

Dear Sister Benson, I only just heard of Bishop Benson's passing. Please accept my loving condolenses at this time. I was also a recipient of his concern as a single sister in the 8th ward. I have a fond memory I would like to share with you. I had stopped by one evening at the church and brought Bishop Benson a chocolate shake. I was in a 'clown outfit' and had just performed at a Birthday party.
He told me that you had been ill and would I come up and surprise you. Even though it was 31 yrs ago and I don't expect you to remember, it was a testimony to me of his love and devotion for you.
May you be consoled at this time.
With warm regards,
"Bubbles"
Christine Rowe Provstgaard
Ivins, Utah

Lance Webb

August 12, 2012

I am currently serving as an Army chaplain in Afghanistan. My mom sent me an email telling me of Brother Benson's passing. I worked as a sales rep and manager for Mark while I went to school at Weber State back in the 80's. I learned a great deal from him and appreciated his leadership and confidence in me. I was always proud to say I worked for him. My condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed by all.

William Call

August 10, 2012

I just read last night in the Church News that Pres. Benson passed away. I want you all to know how much love and respect I have for him. Not a day goes by that I do not thing about something he said or did that had an influence on my life. I cherish the hours I spent with him as his 'companion' as I travel with him around the mission. I also have such fond memories of the time I spent serving in the Mission Home in Fort Wayne and the close association I had with the Benson Family. He was a great Mission President. Much of what I am today was because of his great example and testimony. I remember the many times I sat in the living room of the Mission Home as we had a farewell for missionaries returning home. Pres. Benson always quoted Alma 17:2 "... Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; ...". Pres. Benson would always end his testimony at those meetings with, "No matter when I see you again, in this earth life or the next life, I pray that we will still be 'brethren in the Lord'." I have always tired to be worthy to say "Yes Pres. Benson, I am still your brethren in the Lord." Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know that the things we taught as missionaries under Pres. Benson's leadership are tu
true. God does live. He loves His children. Jesus is the Christ. We will be resurrected and live again. Through the priesthood and our obedience we can live together forever as families. My love to Sis. Benson, Stephanie, Stacey, Maragaret, Mary and Michael. Elder William B. Call - Great Lakes/Indiana-Michigan Mission 4/70-4/72

Peggy

August 9, 2012

Dear Sister Benson and wonderful family,.. My sister in law called me today from Arizona to tell me she saw Pres. Benson had passed away. My heart is sad .
Oh, what a loss for us. What a great man he is. What profound treasures he taught us. He always has carried the light of Christ in his speech and in his actions. I am so grateful to have served with him and Sister Benson in the Indiana Michigan Mission. You have both taught me so many things that have blessed my life richly.
May the Lord bless you Sister Benson and all your children and families. He has continued faithful always and I can envision the sweetest of receptions for him with his parents and other's.
I Love you Sister Benson. You are in our prayers for comfort and peace during this temporary separation.
"Sure Love You,"Sister Preece Andrus -I have wanted to call and talk with you, but do not have your number. Love you so much

Daina Woodward Zollinger

August 8, 2012

Dear Benson Family,
Sympathies to you at the passing of President Benson. It brings back fond memories of first meeting your family at a youth conference in Indiana. May you be blessed with many good memories! Terre Haute Woodwards are thinking of you at this time.

August 8, 2012

Linda Reeder and Pauline Azure were members of the Ensign 8th ward and we are sorry to hear of Bishop Mark Benson's passing but now he is with his parents and relatives which is a nice blessing. God bless you.

Kathy Clayton

August 8, 2012

Dear Sister Benson:
I was a member of the Ensign 8th Ward when your husband was the bishop. I will always be grateful for the attention he gave to each of us as though we were his best friend. I was quite ill one time and you called me to make sure I was doing all right. That endeared you to me. May the Lord Bless you and your family during this difficult time, and remember that Families are Eternal.

August 6, 2012

I'm sadden to hear of uncle marks passing and even more sad that I can't be there. I'm helping with another sad family loss with my brother in laws family in Italy. I know how much my dad loved his brother. Uncle mark is such a kind a loving person. He has always been so wonderful to our family. Itis hard to see our parents getting older and know their time left with us is short or done. But families are eternal. Wish I could be there and your family is in my prayers. Much love, Lucilla Benson Rhees

Richard Allen

August 6, 2012

To our dear cousin Lela we send our sincere condolences on the passing of your husband Mark. May the Lord bless you and your family with the comfort of the certainty of the eternal family. Love, Richard and Carol Lynn Allen.

Ruthie Spreckelsen

August 5, 2012

Dearest Lela and family, my prayers are with you. The memories of our relationship in Dallas and the sweet influence you had on our family is priceless. It was sweet to be Visiting Teaching companions and all you taught me. My girls enjoyed babysitting and the lifelong friendships that resulted. What a legacy you and Mark left in your examples, friendship and love. My love
to each of you!

Ruthie Spreckelsen

August 5, 2012

Ruthie Spreckelsen

August 5, 2012

Marcia Ferrin

August 5, 2012

Dear Sister Benson, I am in Brazil serving with my husband as Mission Presidents in the Sao Paulo East Mission. My son, Joe, wrote to me today and told me that your husband had passed away. Your grand-daughter and her husband are his home teachers.
I wanted to tell you what wonderful memories I have of Pres. Benson's example to me when I served in the Ensign Stake. You were always so sweet to me and you were both so supportive of a very young, inexperienced Y.W. President. I will always think of you fondly and I offer my sympathies at this time. May the Lord's choicest blessings comfort you.
Marcia Ferrin

Arthur Nahatis

August 5, 2012

Dear Lela and Family,
I was so sad to hear of Mark's passing. He was the consummate gentleman and an individual that although we as "oil and water", differed in our attitudes, thoughts and philosophies, we always got along and worked well together.
I credit Mark with a good deal of my success in the direct sales profession and he will surely be missed by many including myself.
May God have mercy on his soul and continue to bless the whole Benson family.
Sincerely
Arthur

August 5, 2012

Dear Lela and Family,
We were saddened to hear of your husbands passing. He had a tremendous influence on our lives as our Stake President and as our friend. You were always so kind and friendly whenever we saw you. We will long remeber the wonderful send off when you treated us to breakfast at Little America prior to our service in Australia. You have always been a great example of dedicated church service. May you be comforted by the Spirit during this time. Please know of our love and apppreciation for you and for Mark.

Dean and Pam Hodson Salt Lake City

August 4, 2012

Dear Lela,
I was sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet husband. I had the pleasure of sitting at a Utah Music Teachers banquet with both of you. I can honestly say that this banquet has remained one of my most favorite memories of my UMTA experiences. I know you will miss him dearly. I could tell the love you had for each other. Just in that short two hour period, you influenced me for good and at many other times as I have watched you.
My love and prayers are with you.
A fellow music teacher,
Lynda Broadbent

Gayle (Harman) Perkins

August 3, 2012

Dear Benson Family,
Bro. and Sister Benson have been the example that we, the members of the ward, have wished to follow. His usual seat on the right-side pew in our chapel will forever hold his memory. His patriotic testimonies given near the Fourth of July will ever inspire us. I will always remember the Father's Day talk he gave a couple of years ago in honor of his father, the Prophet, when he sang to us all the verses of "I Am a Mormon Boy". I am saddened at this great loss. He will be ever present in so many ways.

August 3, 2012

Dear Lela & Family...my, how the years have flown since our days w/you in Dallas TX...but never will your influence, inspiration, wisdom and our many fond memories of you, Mark and your beautiful children fade. Your family was such an exceptional role model for other young families like ours. May our Savior wrap His loving arms of love and comfort around you and your family at this time of loss as well as celebration. Mark was a remarkable spiritual giant with such a tender loving heart. You will forever be in our treasure chest of memories and in our hearts. Ed & Jeannene Barham & Family

Lucilla Benson Rhees

August 3, 2012

Michelle Woods

August 3, 2012

Dear Lela,
My love, thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you! You have been such an amazing teacher and role model for me in my life. Your husband was too. I pray that Our Dear Heavenly Father will comfort you and your family at this time.
I will love you forever! Love, Michelle Gillette Woods

Holly Benson Goldsworthy

August 3, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Lela. We love you and are eternally grateful for the example you and Uncle Mark set for all of us.

Love,
Holly Benson, Ian(Marci), and David Holden

A Pauper in Zion

August 3, 2012

Faithful still
Faithful still
Dear Lord our great & good friend
Is stilled
And faithful still
Faithful still

Clyde Triptow

August 3, 2012

Dear Sister Benson and family,

Please accept our heartfelt condolences concerning the passing away of Brother Benson. The dedicated influence of a loving husband, father, and patriarch is a significant matter.

Brother Benson lived the life worth living, as an exemplar servant of the Lord. Brother Benson will be greatly missed by many people.

May the Lord's blessings of comforting solace, continual peace, and abiding love sustain you and your family members during this difficult time of mourning. May you and your family walk the path of bereavement with an enduring eternal perspective of the happy family reunion to come in a far brighter place.

Sincerely,

Clyde and Amelia Sciammarella Triptow

August 2, 2012

Dear Lela and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband and father, a great man who has influenced the lives of so many people with his sincere smile, kindness and testimony in action.
Lela, you are one of the most gracious and lovely women I know, we go back many years as friends and fellow music teachers in the Salt Lake Chapter of the Utah Music Teachers Association. Thank you for your many years of service and involvement, always willing to help and share your ideas and hospitality with others, we could not have done it without you.
I pray that comfort and peace will be yours as you are surrounded by family and lifted up during this time of change and loss in your life. God bless you with lovely memories of your sweetheart, and a promise of a day when you will meet again.
With love, Lezlee Bishop

Kathy Okerlund

August 2, 2012

Dear Lela and Family,
Some of my fondest memories are of you and Bishop Benson in the 8th Ward. Both of you have enriched my life so very much. Thank you for sharing your hearts, your home and your family with us. And thank you for your continuing friendship. I think of you often and of all the wonderful things you taught us.
Bishop will be greatly missed. You have my love and prayers always.

Richard Kitterman

August 2, 2012

Dear Lela,

Natalie and I are deeply saddened at the loss of a great man and a great friend. I served as a high councilor under Mark's leadership as stake president, and came to appreciate him as a profound thinker, an expert organizer, and a skillful and very capable leader. But even more striking to me was the deep humility and sincerity with which he led the Ensign stake. I am honored to have been able to associate with him in various capacities over the years, and consider him and yourself as valued friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Our hope is that you'll receive the comfort and strength you need as well as the quiet and sweet confirmation that he has admirably completed his mission in this life and has graduated with honors. All our best,

Richard & Natalie Kitterman

Darol and Loree Wagstaff

August 2, 2012

Dear Stacey and Reeder And Benson families.
So sorry that you have to experience the passing of your amazing father.
On August 18, 1944, president Ezra T. Benson (a good friend of my parents) said at my sister Judith's funeral, "my feelings today are mingled with sorrow and gratitude. Sorrow because friends of mine have been called upon to mourn.....and grateful for the knowledge we have that this separation is only temporary."
These words are true.
We love you and pray for your comfort and peace.
Love,

My group 7 years ago

August 2, 2012

Lela, my brother Dallas forwarded this information. I am so grateful I could write your family a line and send you my very best. So many memories of the Dallas ward, my girls' piano lessons, Kaylene's caricature Steve did in your Sunday School class, your girls babysitting mine, and all the ideas I garnered as a young mother. Please give each of them a hug from the Thurman family. Love, Dixie Waldrip

Indiana (Michigan) Missionaries

August 2, 2012

What a great man and great Mission President. What more can be said! We all know where he is today. We can still hear him urging us be steadfast and to take Courage, brethren; and move on, on to the victory. Sister Benson - we love you!

August 2, 2012

Dear Lela, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. I've always admired you and thought very highly of your teaching. I wish I could have meet Mark. I wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Cody Miller

Kathy Bertasso

August 2, 2012

Dear Sweet Lela, It is always with fond memories that we reflect on the times we spent in Texas together. David loved his piano lessons from you and still plays. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are so grateful for the association we had with you and your kind Mark when we were in your home. Always a blessing to be with you. Kathy and Mike Bertasso

Irene Hester

August 2, 2012

It was with sadness that I read in the newspaper this morning of the passing of a dear friend and mentor, Bishop Mark Benson.

Although it has been many years since our association in the Ensign Eighth Ward, my memories are as fresh as if it were yesterday. How well he taught us, lessons that will never be forgotten - God, Family and Country - he honoured each, every day of his life. I send my love and condolences to your family, rewarded by his friendship and forever in his debt for his example.

Whether attending the Symphony or meeting on the street, he always had a kind word and gracious smile for me. Thank you for sharing your lives and family's talents with us, opening your home on all those numerous occasions,Sister Benson, when you would much rather have spent a quiet evening alone with your husband and children. His influence and wisdom is permanent. The reunion he now shares with his Saviour and beloved parents is joyful and complete. May I presume to add those welcoming words I know he so richly deserved and undoubtedly received, "Well done thou good and faithful servant!"

With love and fondest remembrance.

Irene Hester

William Knecht

August 2, 2012

Dear Family: I was always appreciative of the fact that while at BYU I got to know and work with Mark and Reed. And occasionally drive to SLC to visit at the home of their folks. May God be with you, until we meet again.

August 1, 2012

Dear Lela and Family, very sad to hear of Mark's passing and my love and prayers are with you as this will be a challenging time for you.
Patricia Reid (widow of Charles Richard Reid, a clas mate of Mark's)

David & Lynda Kimball Richards

August 1, 2012

Dear Benson Family.... words cannot express our sorrow at the passing of Mark. The many years of our association have always been highlighted by the love that our families have had for each other... from Carl & Vera Richards in Dallas to the years working with the NCCS and Castlewick Corporation. Lela, know how much we love you and appreciate all the years of association.

David & I send our love and appreciation for all you have meant to our family.

The Bensons and I

LaRue Hansen Bailey

August 1, 2012

Dear Benson Family, So sorry to hear that President Benson died. I served under him in the Indiana-Michigan Mission in 1972-1974. That time was the most positive and wonderful time as we all served so hard together and then saw our mission split due to a lot of persistence. We all are forever connected and blessed from our association with the Bensons in missionary work. What an example Mark and Lela were to all of us. Now Mark is in heavenly realms and experiencing supreme joy. His influence continues. Oh, will he be missed here! There was not a corner that his influence and spirit didn't touch. I will forever be in awe of him and Lela, his family, and parents.

Beth Bridge

August 1, 2012

Dear Lela;

I was sorry to hear that your husband passed away.

May the Lord bless and send his comforting spirit.

Love,
Beth McBride Bridge

Michelle Olsen

August 1, 2012

President Benson was a wonderful, wise man. I still think of the things he taught as Stake President twenty years ago.

Edward Norton

August 1, 2012

To Sister Benson & family,
I will always treasure my time as a missionary serving under
President and Sister Benson! What great missionaries they were with their young family in Ft. Wayne, Indiana! As a recent convert of one year I didn't know what to expect to serve as a missionary. They taught me so much about the Gospel, service, and family! They have been and still are an inspiration to me. Over the years I have realized that thru their teachings and examples they have also influenced greatly my family of 7 children! My children know all about the Bensons and were sad to hear of President Benson's passing.
May Heavenly Father always bless the Benson family!
With my deepest sympathy !
Edward G. Norton
Indiana-Michigan Mission '70-'72

Brian Brown

August 1, 2012

President Benson was an exceptional influence on my life and the lives of the many missionaries he affected who served in the Indiana & Michigan Missions. He had a STRONG and convincing testimony of JESUS CHRIST and of the Restored Gospel. He & Sister Benson came to my dad's funeral about 5 years ago & it reminded me how much influence he had on my life...to Sister Benson and the rest of the family: SURE LOVE YOU!
Elder Brian L. Brown

V. Dallas Merrell

August 1, 2012

Mark is a Celestial brother. I have enjoyed knowing him and working with him in his blessed callings and service, enjoying his personality and character. I was thrilled to see his being a son, husband, and father. I look forward to future days and seasons with him again. Bless you Lela and your family. Karen and I have learned from your lives. Mark is having some good times with with his parents and others. I look forward to my times with Mark in future days.

August 1, 2012

Dear Lela,
My condolences to you and your family. I have known you and Mark through the Ensign Stake singles wards. They were years of growth, joy and happiness. Mark will be missed. I have wonderful memories of time spent with you two and President Ezra Taft Benson. You are wonderful examples of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been and will continue to be a pleasure whenever our paths cross. May you and your family receive peace and comfort now and in the future.

Joanne Pratt

August 1, 2012

I knew Mark when I was a young single working in Salt Lake City. His pretty brown eyes and mild manner sold me on my china, crystal, pots and pans and on life itself. We had many a good chat during all of these sales experiences and later when he was President of Saladmaster. He had a wonderful life, we can only celebrate his time on stage. I have enjoyed all of my purchases from him and never regreted any of them. His daddy would be proud.

Dr. Willis D. Waite

August 1, 2012

Dear Mark Benson Family,
I rejoice with you in our testimony that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith, a true prophet of God restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness.
Mark became my friend when we lived in Allen Hall at BYU together. His dear brother Reed was my assistant in the dormitory management.
I am most grateful for having known Reed and Mark and President Benson's family.
May we all put the Chirst first whereby we may be where your loving husband,father and grand father is in heaven. I send you my love and deepest sympathy.

July 31, 2012

Dear Lela and Family,
We send our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear husband and father. Mark was a find man who loved the Lord. His service was an outgrowth of his testimony. We know he has blessed the lives of many including ours.
Our love goes out to you at this time.
Richard and Kathy Walker
Preston, England

Holly's friend (aka Kathie Chase)

Katherine Christensen

July 30, 2012

My condolences to the Benson family on the passing of Mark A. Benson. I know the family through Reed and Holly. They will surely miss their brother and uncle greatly. I admire Mark's influence, and read many good things about him over the years. Truly a light in the world, Mark set a wonderful example. May his loved ones and friends be comforted by how he lived his life, knowing they will one day see him again.

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