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BORN
1993
DIED
2020
Matthew Benson Obituary
Matthew J. Benson, 26, formerly of Byron, IL, currently of Oceanside, California, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 16, 2020. This accident also claimed the life of his cousin, Andrew Benson.
Matt was born July 18, 1993, son of Jeffrey and Beth (Hribal) Benson. He graduated from Stillman Valley High School, Class of 2011. After high school, Matt joined the USMC where he became Sergeant Matthew J. Benson, earning many certificates and was deployed for nine months to Kuwait/Iraq. After five years in the military, Matt became a Military Contractor with a voluntary deployment to Afghanistan for four months. Growing up, Matt played soccer, basketball, football and was in boy scouts for many years. Matt was adventurous, trying new things including surfing and snorkeling. He attended many sporting events and loved watching the Chicago Bears. Matthew also loved the outdoors such as fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, boating, tubing, camping Up North and having bonfires. He was a fitness fanatic and felt best after his daily workout and jogging. Matt had confidence and determination that made him a great speaker. He could hold the best conversations with anyone, no matter what age or interests. He loved his family and being an uncle/godfather and he loved his dogs, Angel, Huntley, Skye, Bo and RIP Maverick. Matt's favorite things in life were singing, eating and sleeping. He was also a mentor, leader and best friend to many. Matthew will be truly missed and in our hearts forever and ever.
Those left to honor Matt's memory include his loving parents, Jeff and Beth Benson; sister, Cara Benson (Jake Clingon); niece, Hadlee Ann; grandparents, LaVern (Jane) Neff and Jennie Johnson; aunts, Deborah Gardiner and Cindy Rathke; uncle, Blair (Kathy) Neff; great-uncle, Gary (Sylvia) Batty; cousins, Joshua Anderson, Becky (Don) Schmoll, Lisa (Don) Howe, Gary Hribal, Audrey (Rick) Goninan, James (Samantha) Gardiner, Jenna (Juergan) Schuster, numerous second cousins and many friends who will hold Matt in their hearts forever. He is predeceased by his grandfathers, Richard H. Hribal and Gerald R. Benson; aunt, Julie Benson; uncles, Richard L., Gary J. and James E. Hribal, Kenneth Gardiner and Boyd Rathke. May they rest in peace.
Services are private at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to DARK HORSE LODGE (Peaceful Retreat for Combat Veterans, originated in Byron, IL), Mission 22 (which offers treatment for American Veterans for Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury) or PETS FOR VETS (which is dedicated to providing a second chance to shelter dogs by rescuing training and matching them with American Vets who need a companion pet).
Share online condolences and memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Benson
Deborah Gardiner
March 13, 2021
I cannot believe you have been gone almost a year Matt! Your presence in the world and in our family is missed beyond measure! Praying you stay close, giving signs, messages and love to your mom, dad and sister as they carry the weight of the unbearable loss of you daily. You were and are loved and treasured!
David and
April 1, 2020
Jeff, Beth and Cara. Our hearts are just broken over your loss. Watching Matt grow up in our neighborhood, bravely serve our country, and become such a wonderful young man-we wish we could visit and hug you all. Know we are praying for you and lifting you all up to the One who knows all our needs.
John
March 27, 2020
Sry for ur loss we Rest In Peace
March 25, 2020
Matthew was a very special person and he will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. My heart is full of sorrow in his untimely passing. He was taken far too soon. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.
Mike Kruger
March 24, 2020
I had the pleasure to coach Matt in jr tackle football. Always hard working and a lot of fun to be around. Im sure he was a great Marine. My boys and I will miss him and his laughter. Our condolences
Argustor Campbell
March 23, 2020
Receiving the news that one of our fellow blue diamond brother has fallen is never good news! But what we will remember is the motivation that Sgt Benson brought to the Marine Corps and everyone that he met. The laughs that we had will be nothing but a remembrance and good ones at that. Semper Fi brother guard those gates and watch over us.
March 22, 2020
Condolences to the family of Matthew Benson, in this difficult time.
Please visit our website, Compassionate friends.org
Mary Norris
March 22, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Chandler Tolbert
March 21, 2020
Matthew is one of the most solid and trustworthy men I ever had the pleasure of meeting. I know hes walking with Jesus Christ on heavens beautiful celestial shores. I will miss him, but I know hes in a much better place.
Debbie Gardiner
March 20, 2020
Our hearts are broken! We all loved Matt! What an amazing young man! He will forever be missed by our family and so many friends! My heart and soul go out to you Jeff, Beth, and Cara. As you go forward, hold the beautiful memories in your heart forever!
Debbie Cuthbertson
March 20, 2020
Beth & Jeff words cannot express how deeply sorry for your loss you are in my prayers
Lisa Howe
March 20, 2020
Matthew will forever be missed. He was truly one of a kind and the loss is so heavy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Conner johnson
March 20, 2020
My heart is heavy for the passing of Matt. And I will be praying to give the bensons strength during this time. Ive had the privilege To know matt as a classmate/friend since third grade all way up to graduation. everyday in school I would see him laughing smiling or just joking around he was really a great person to be around. We all want to do great in life but everyone does go their own way after graduation and to me the military was his calling and it was. I will say with utmost respect he served this country proudly while in the military. You truly made a impact on everyones life Matthew for those that had the privilege to calling you family or a friend. Rest peacefully Matt you will be missed and will always be loved. And I am deeply sorry for your lost jeff, Beth and cara.
TJ
March 20, 2020
Matt was a great friend since the first day I met him.. He was like a brother to me. He always wanted to make sure everyone around him was smiling and happy. Truly the life of the party. He was the guy that would give you the shirt off his back.. His smile and personality were enough to make anyone laugh. I remember the day he told me he had joined the US Marines and I knew he found his calling and could now protect everyone and their rights to party!!! I was so proud of him and still to this day I am. I will forever cherish our random phone calls and Snapchats back and forth. I still cant believe youre gone. I even tried calling you when I heard the news. What Id give to be able to have one more conversation with you. Rest Easy my Guy and Ill miss you always. Until we meet again love you brother!!!
April
March 20, 2020
I'm so sorry for the great loss to your families...there are no words.......❤❤ Praying for you all
Tim & Cathy Whitford
March 20, 2020
Jeff,Beth & Cara- Our hearts are heavy with this devastating news. We have all of you in our thoughts & prayers. The memories we have we will cherish.
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