Stephen Benser

Stephen Benser, 82, of Harwood, ND, died on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at St Raphael in Valley City, ND.

Born in Duluth Mn. and raised in Fargo, ND by Earl and Helen Benser. Stephen had fond memories of his childhood with his brother Hamilton and his sister, Gretchen, raising many random animals found in the wild or won at the Fair, hunting, and water sports. While in high school, he bagged groceries and spent summers wrangling cattle at Governor Short's Ranch in western ND. It was there that his passion for the "Old West," horses, and the beauty of the North Dakota Badlands was born. After a year of college at North Dakota State University, he joined the Army hoping to be selected to go to language school to learn foreign languages but the Army had a different place for him after testing. The Army assigned Stephen to military intelligence, where he was stationed in Vietnam and Thailand. He manages to learn a working knowledge of the languages in those countries. He earned a top marksmanship award, spy craft, decoding, and everything involved in military intelligence. It took decades for him to reconcile his experiences in Vietnam. Stephen was proud of serving his country and the men he served with, often referring to himself as a government "spook."

Returning home to NDSU, Stephen continued to work his way through college. One evening, while attending a party, he was playing his guitar and singing songs when a young female student joined him. They sang together for the entire evening, and it was that night that Stephen met the love of his life, Sylvia, sparking a lifelong friendship and love. Stephen quickly noted to Sylvia, "Life will never be boring with you."

Stephen pursued many careers and entrepreneurial endeavors. Some highlights include pioneering the Hope Program and a halfway house in Fergus Falls MN that reduced recidivism of alcohol and drug abuse, building railroads in Canada and founding Prairie Products Incorporated in West Fargo. For 20 years, Producing products for Sathers, Pizza Hut, Private Label & many food service providers throughout the country.

Stephen had an insatiable appetite for knowledge and hobbies that are too numerous to list. He enjoyed helping others and while volunteering at Eagle Mont/Bridger Bowl in MT assisted disabled children and adults to enjoy skiing down the mountain. Stephen had so many other passions from birding, hunting, reading, to name a few. Stephen cherished his time at their lake cabins on Battle Lake and Lake Lida, where he enjoyed sailing and tinkering . . .constantly tinkering.

Stephen was a proud father of three children: Shannon, Shawn, and Colby and Grandfather of Ian, Brianagh, and Trentin. When Shawn married Siobhan he opened his heart to her tenderness and love. It was important for him to teach them all to be critical thinkers, independent, and self-sufficient. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly and supported them, whether close by or from afar.

Stephen and Sylvia shared a life full of their children's activities and athletics, along with the occasional timeshare vacations, family trips, and impromptu travel. Sylvia and the kids always kept Stephen busy, moving from one event to the next. If you knew Steve, you quickly learned about his "6 dogs, 5 horses, 3 kids, one wife, and nobody listens to me." Despite his joking complaints, he loved his wife, his children, and their life together even more.

Stephen loved his best friend and wife, Sylvia, most of all. He cherished their passion for music, their shared appreciation for history and travel, and their mutual support and respect for each other's careers and interests. There was rarely a dull moment, which always brought Stephen joy. Stephen and Sylvia had an unbreakable connection that spanned over five decades. He was incredibly grateful for the support and care that Sylvia provided him in his final years and often expressed his appreciation for her love and support during that time.

Steve was an intensely independent individual, noted for his strong will and character. He believed that everyone should embrace their individuality and maintain honesty, fairness, and loyalty to themselves and others. He endeavored to set this example in his own life. Never one to shy away from expressing his opinions and beliefs, even in the face of dissent, he stood firm in his convictions. Stephen enjoyed sharing knowledge in hope to enrich people's lives. Stephen was a good citizen, a valuable community member, a devoted husband, and a good man. He truly was a man for all seasons, living life on his own terms.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to: Harwood Fire & Rescue or the Veteran's Honor Flight of ND/MN.

No services are planned at this time.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com