Frankenmuth, Michigan
Jun 20, 1925 – Oct 21, 2024
Benson, Guy R.
Frankenmuth, MI; formerly of Cadillac, MI and Portage, MI
Passed away Monday, October 21, 2024 at his home; after a short illness, aged 99 years. Guy was born to the late Leonard and Katie Fae (Lampson) Benson on June 20, 1925 in Newaygo County. He married Dorothy "Dottie" Warren on September 16, 1950 in Washington DC, and she predeceased him on April 15, 2011.
Guy was World War II veteran deployed in the Pacific Theater. He graduated from Western Michigan University on the GI bill. Guy was employed by Upjohn/Pfizer as a product manager until his retirement in April 1986. He was an avid downhill skier, skiing until he was 87 years old, and a long-term member of the Caberfae Ski Club even when he was no longer skiing.
Guy was proud of his Swedish heritage and was a long-time member of the Scandinavian Society. He also enjoyed golf and deer hunting. Guy enjoyed traveling and visited 25 countries, as well as most states in the US. He was active in both Portage and Cadillac as a church and community volunteer, school board member, and hospice volunteer. Guy loved spending time with friends and family. He was devoted to his cat Willie.
Surviving are son Richard (Diane) Benson of Frankenmuth, Michigan; daughter Patty (Craig) Owensby of Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren Scott Benson of Mankato, Minnesota; Holly (Jacob) VanDam of Scotts, Michigan, Andrew Owensby of Nashville, Tennessee, and great-grandchildren Cole and Carter Benson of Mankato, Minnesota, along with special friend Virginia Bieri of Cadillac, Michigan.
Guy was also preceded in death by brother Delbert (Jackie) Benson and sister Barbara (Murl) Aten.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial donations to local animal shelters, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth. Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com.
I have thought of Guy frequently thru the past year. We went to country school together long ago. His sister, Barbara and I were very good friends. And his brother, Del, was a fellow State Farm Agent. My husband, Glenn, passed away August 17, 2024 and I have thought often of Guy and his family since that day. Blessings to the family and remembering all the great connections we had thru past years. Marilyn Patrick
Marilyn Patrick
July 23, 2025 | School
We just found about Guy’s passing when we came to our cottage near Caberfae.
We met Guy and Dottie through Bernie and Valasta. Guy was always a pleasure to talk to. He was always very friendly and smiling, made you feel good.
We are very sorry for your loss
David and Eileen Johnson.
David Johnson
April 25, 2025 | Sterling Heights, MI | Neighbor
Remembered By
David Johnson
April 25, 2025 | Sterling Heights, MI | Neighbor
To the Benson family. Guy was an amazing
Person in so many ways. So much more than an old neighbor in Portage, Michigan.
No doubt he will be missed by all who knew him. Best wishes to you all going forward. Sincerely, Suzy, Connie, & Jim Duthie
Jim Duthie
October 29, 2024 | Traverse City, MI | Friend
Guy was our neighbor in portage. We shared our gardening adventures with him. He gave us such wisdom and help. Loved dottie as well. Kept in touch via christmas cards until he moved. We look in the back yard and still miss and think of his victory garden. The best sweet corn i have ever eaten. We werelucmy tohave m own him. Johnand su We were neighbors of guy and dottie in portage. Hegave us great advice on how to grow vegetables. He used chicken manure. We still think of him and his...
Sue barker
October 28, 2024 | Friend
I knew Guy from UpJohn. I worked in his department for a while. He was a very sweet man. My condolences to his family.
Janet Zajac
October 27, 2024 | Work
Mom and I are so sorry to hear about Guy. My prayers are going out for Patty and Dickie and their families. I am not sure if you will read these, but mom wanted to attend the memorial service if you are having family and friends. Mom was just talking about guy a week ago how she needed to call him. She always likes to talk about how Dottie and she would dress Patty and I up similar. Not only were we neighbors but we also went to the same church together when we were kids. Big hugs and prayers.
Bonnie (Heckelman) Birdsall & Mable Heckelman
October 27, 2024 | Other
My sympathy to Guys family. I worked for Guy at Upjohns, best boss and one of the nicest people ever.
Linda Wyant
Linda Wyant
October 27, 2024 | Vicksburg, MI | Coworker
I remember when I first met Guy I thought what a remarkable and charming man he was . He seemed to always have a smile and a joke. Rest in peace, Guy. ❤
Teresa Ford
October 27, 2024 | Brentwood, TN | Friend