Karrol "Sam" Burton Benson

Karroll “Sam” Benson passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Good Shepherd Home in Rushford, MN. Sam was born on February 4, 1938 to Ruth Benson (Knutson) in Peterson, MN.

Sam married Mary Anne Christiansen on March 6, 1955 at Grace Lutheran Church, Peterson and together they raised three children. In 1982, Sam married Mercedes ”Cedy” Engstler and they lived together in Houston, MN until the time he moved into Good Shepherd Home in 2022..

Sam spent most of his working life in the agriculture field, starting at a very young age with the Benson Feed Mill. After more than 20 years with the feed mill in Peterson, Sam took a position with Farmers Elevator in Rushford, where he worked in various position including managing the fertilizer plant. In his later years, he found a new work passion which was driving semi for the elevator. During his time at Benson’s and Farmer’s, Sam earned the respect of everyone he met and established many friendships with his coworkers and local farmers that lasted throughout his life. He was an extremely hard worker and truly enjoyed what he did.

Throughout his life, Sam was not afraid to have a good time, and enjoyed many activities including golf, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, card games such as Euchre, and the occasional casino outing. Sam was a lifelong and passionate fan of the Peterson Tigers as well as the Minnesota Vikings and Twins.

Later in life, Sam experienced a stroke which limited his mobility, but did not dampen his spirit. With the help and dedication of his wife Mercedes, he was able to stay at home for nearly 20 years and enjoy time spent with family and friends. He became extremely proficient with his specially equipped van and power scooter and was able to get around quite well. 

Sam is survived by his wife, Mercedes “Cedy”; sons Randy (Kim) Benson and Mike (Karen) Benson; daughter Mary Kaye (Vern) Bunke; grandchildren Adam, Breanna, Brittany, Lacey, Tyler, Kelsey, Ashley and Bekka; 12 great grandchildren; sisters Cathy (Wayne) Haug, Renae (Denny) Novak, and Pam (Richard) Johnson. In addition, Sam was survived by 2 stepdaughters Karen (Bob) Christiano and Lori Van Gundy, stepson Jim Engstler, and 7 step grandchildren Matt, Shawn, Adam, Toni, Robbie, Alex, and Zach.

He was preceded in in death by his mother Ruth Knutson, stepfather Emer Knutson, first wife Mary Anne Overland, and stepson Jeff Engstler.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 10th at Hoff Funeral Home in Houston at 1:00pm. Visitation will be from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home and all the exceptional and caring staff Sam received these past 3 years. Please direct any memorials to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Foundation.

Hoff Funeral Home – Houston is assisting the family.

Sam's memorial service is available via livestream at the link below. 

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczODc2NjU0MTM0ODY3MSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==