LEONARD G. BENSON

Leonard G. Benson was born northeast of Kiron, Iowa, July 25, 1933, the son of Kermit G. and Jessie Nelson Benson. He attended the Kiron Schools, graduating from high school with the class of 1951. After high school, Leonard attended barber school in Des Moines, Iowa, and upon graduation, he began his barbering career in the Kiron area.

On June 5, 1960, Leonard was united in marriage with Mavis Schultz at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stockholm Township and was so proud of their 50th Anniversary. They made their home in Kiron where Leonard continued his barbering career for fifty years, retiring from that in 2002. Throughout the years, in addition to barbering, Leonard also held various other occupations. He was a proud member of the Kiron Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years.

He enjoyed traveling and watching his granddaughters compete in various events across the Midwest. Bringing treats for the team and coaches always made him smile, more than the outcome of the event. In his spare time he enjoyed playing cards, drinking coffee with friends, listening to polka music, attending polka fests and coaching Senior League Baseball.

He was active in St. John's Lutheran Church and really enjoyed the Couples Bible Study that was forming in the church.

Following a long battle after heart surgery, Leonard died Friday, May 6, 2011, at the Denison Care Center in Denison, Iowa. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 77 years, 9 months and 11 days.

His father Kermit, mother Jessie Nelson Benson and infant son preceded Leonard in death.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife, Mavis Benson of Kiron, Iowa; one son, Curtis Benson and wife, Cindy of Omaha, Nebraska; two granddaughters: Erin and Ashley of Omaha, Nebraska; one brother: Burdette Benson and wife, Lois of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister-in-law: Charlyn Schultz of Denison, Iowa; two aunts: Marion Benson and Jean and husband, Louie Indorf; nieces and nephews: Connie, Karla, Tom, Paula, Jackie and Ted and spouses, other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 9, 2011, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa with the Rev. Christopher A. Maronde officiating. Music for the service was provided by Marilee Benson singing "How Great Thou Art" and the congregation singing "Rock of Ages Cleft for Me" and "Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won" with Lois Gronau serving as organist. Private family inurnment was at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Stockholm Township, Kiron, Iowa. Following the services the family invited everyone to join them at the church for fellowship and a luncheon served by the St. John's Lutheran Church Ladies Aid. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com, Denison, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.