Bruce A. Benbo

Bruce Allen Benbo was born August 30, 1948, to Charles and Bernice Benbo of rural Winger, Minn., and died October 9, 2025, surrounded by his family.

The oldest of four children, Bruce grew up loving the farm, fishing with his brother and neighbors, hanging out with his grandpa Ed and driving tractors for his mom's cousins on their farm in nearby Rindahl, Minn. Bruce graduated from Fertile-Beltrami High School in 1966 and went on to receive a technical degree in welding from Northland Technical College in Thief River Falls, Minn.

Bruce was drafted into the U.S. Army in May 1968. After completing his basic and advanced infantry training, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he honorably completed his tour of duty from November 1968 through 1969. He served alongside his fellow Wolfhounds in 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning). During his service he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Valor for acts of courage and heroism he displayed while his unit was under fire. A true American patriot, Bruce always felt his military service was his greatest accomplishment and was proud to share his stories with friends, family and the community with the hope he could inspire others to understand the importance of what it takes to protect and advance our freedom. He was an active member of the Winger Legion and proudly carried the American flag in the Legion color guard for nearly 50 years.

After his service in Vietnam, Bruce worked as a welder for Arctic Cat before joining his brother, Wayne, in farming on his parent's farm. Bruce married the love of his life, Gwen Vesledahl, in 1974. Together, they ran a dairy farm south of Winger, but more importantly grew their family to include seven children and eight grandchildren (with one more on the way). Bruce also worked at Erskine Manufacturing before retiring in 2002 after being diagnosed with numerous disabilities from his service in Vietnam. Upon his retirement, he spent summers putting up firewood and his winters managing his wood stove. He loved fishing with his kids and grandkids and running to watch his grandkids take part in a variety of activities. He also loved to have visitors, particularly his good friend Milo Ystenes, and would always end a conversation with, "we'll see you next time."

Bruce's faith in Jesus Christ was central to him and his family. He was an active member of Dovre Free Lutheran Church, where he served as a deacon for more than 35 years. He loved to talk about Jesus and his faith, and would rarely miss a church service.

Bruce was loved by many friends, his community, his church and his family and he truly lived by the Wolfhounds' motto: "frightened by no difficulties."

He is survived by Gwen, his wife of 51 year; brother Wayne Benbo; sister Annette (LeRoy) Halstad; seven children: Heather (Travis) Nikolayson, Amanda (Shaun) Ryan, Theresa Benbo, Ryan (Heidi) Benbo, Caleb (Jenny Hubbard) Benbo, Anna (Mike) Owens and Rachel (Cody Berg) Benbo; eight grandchildren: Austin (Eden), Logan (Jenna), Olivia (Devan Rindy) and Zachary Simonson, Evie Mae and Adrian Ryan, Gwendolyn Benbo and Torvi Benbo; nephews: Travis and Lance (Amanda) Krzyzaniak and Brandon (Robynn) Halstad: and brothers & sisters-in-law: Devra (Steve) Carlson, Amy (Gary) Wierschke, David (Theresa) Vesledahl, Paul Vesledahl, Tracy (Jim) Strom and Jon (Wendy) Vesledahl. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bernice; his brother Les Benbo; his father and mother-in-law, Joel and Irene Vesledahl; and sisters-in-law, Jeannie Vesledahl and Jane Olson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 pm, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Winger. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Calvary Lutheran Church. Burial will be at the Winger Cemetery.