JOHN ROBERT BENSEN

1942 - 2011

John Robert Bensen, age 68 of Sedro-Woolley, WA passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 17th, 2011. He was cared for in his home by his wife, Marilyn, family members, close friends, and the caring staff of Hospice of the Northwest.

John was born on December 30th, 1942 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Robert and Mary Bensen.

At the age of twelve the family moved to Seattle, Washington, where John graduated from Shoreline High School in 1960. After working in the construction industry in Alaska, John served for four years in the U.S. Navy. In the 3rd year of service John and Marilyn (Cutting) were married on June 9th, 1967 and spent their first year in Hawaii, while John completed his service commitment.
In 1968 they relocated to Washington, where John worked the remainder of his career in the Transport Refrigeration Industry.

John retired in September of 2010.

John enjoyed many activities including; family, grandchildren, coaching, traveling, gardening and camping. He and Marilyn were foster parents together for eight years. John enjoyed working with his hands and remodeled their farmhouse in Sedro-Wooley.

John is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his son, Scott and wife Lena of Seattle, WA, his daughters, Sara Enstom of Ferndale, WA and Desiree Bensen of Mount Vernon, WA; five grandchildren, Elizabeth, John Mark, Anton, Lars, Ruslan. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Brickhouse, Molly Bell & (David); brother, Michael & (Marla), all of Anchorage AK.

John was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy; mother, Mary; father, Robert; and sister, Barbara Wood.

John attended North Cascades Christian Fellowship in Sedro-Woolley, where a memorial will be held celebrating John's life, on Saturday, February 26th, at 1:00.

Remembrances in John's name can be made to North Cascades Christian Fellowships, Elijah Oil, 118 North Ball Street, Sedro-Woolley 98284 or Hospice of the Northwest, 819 S. 13th Street, Mount Vernon Washington, 98274