Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
N7199 N. Crystal Lake Road
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Garfield Benson Obituary
Benson, Garfield H. "Gary"
BEAVER DAM - Garfield H. "Gary" Benson, 77, of Beaver Dam, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at his home.
A celebration of life for Gary will be held at a later date.
Garfield was born in June of 1944, the son of Howard and Sally (Stone) Benson in Chicago, Ill. On May 3, 1980, he was united in marriage to Jill Hembel in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Gary grew up in Sister Bay, Wis., and graduated from Gilbraltar High School in Fish Creek, Wis., Class of '62. He was a 1966 graduate of Carroll College in Waukesha. He later completed his master's in English education at UW-Milwaukee. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1968–1970, with duty in the 67th Engineering Company in Vung Tau, Vietnam. Gary was an English and history teacher with the Grafton School District for 10 years. He later became a field service engineer for Allis Chalmers in West Allis, which became AC Equipment Services and then Siemens, where he managed many different departments and retired as a director.
Gary was affectionately known as "Uncle Benny" to his beloved nephews and niece. Gary loved life. He was a gear head, lawn guy and enjoyed "Lake Life" at the family cottages in Fox Lake, where he made great friends. He was a wonderful mentor to so many young people, sometimes not even realizing it. He loved reading, particularly about World War II and Door County, and had a few special European fiction series authors that he always recommended.
Gary will be deeply missed by his wife of 42 years, Jill; his brother, Jeffrey (Debra) Benson of New Berlin; nephews, Adam (Megan) Helms and their sons, Elliott and Finley, and Matthew (Becky) Helms and their son, who is on the way; niece, Amber (Mike) Bell and their son, Henry; a very special mother-in-law, Elizabeth Hembel of Cedarburg; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Amy (David) Cook of West Bend and Hope (Donald) Wendtland of Grafton. He is further survived by many Grafton High School teaching colleagues, great friends and wonderful neighbors at Fox Lake, Shady Oaks subdivision and Door County.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his father-in-law, Jerome Hembel.
Memorials in Gary's honor are appreciated to Carroll University Scholarship Fund (In Memory of Gary), Carroll University, 100 N. East Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186, or to Living Hope Food Pantry, P.O. Box #519, Fox Lake, WI 53933.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Garfield Benson
Sponsored by Koepsell-Murray Funeral & Cremation Services, Beaver Dam.
Jeff Mallat
June 3, 2022
I extend sympathies on behalf of the Mallat family to Jill and the Benson family for your loss. We pray for peace and comfort during your time of mourning. I will always have very fond memories of Gary.
Ralph & Mary Seymer
November 13, 2021
Jil, we are deeply sorry for your loss. It was good to hear from Gary this past year after losing contact for many years. We have many good memories. Think about the good times! God bless you.
Aaron (Tiny) Connor
November 12, 2021
To my fellow comrade in arms who I served with in VietNam and shared our youthful moments together, Gary Benson and family my most heartfelt condolence. Gary I will see you on the other side my brother. May you RIP.
John D Cespedes
November 10, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the Benson family. Spent some exciting and memorable times with Gary in the 67th.
How you can show support
Bill and Sandy Euclide
November 9, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Benson family. Gary will truly be missed. His wit and ability to bring you into his stories was appreciated and will always be remembered. Rest in peace Gary and watch over Jill.
Pat Delmenhorst
November 8, 2021
45 years ago we moved to Whitefish In 1978 we moved to our very first home and were welcomed as soon as the moving truck arrived by a lovely lady named Jill. Soon after she married a wonderful man, named Gary Benson. We became such good friends that they became Godparents to our son. When they moved from WFB to Glendale, we followed them and became close neighbors again 30 years later. They were truly our first friends in Milwaukee and became our family. I treasure all the memories of shared holidays and other important life events with this kind, generous and loving couple. I am heart broken because Gary passed away on Oct 31st. Jill please know those memories cannot be taken away. Love you.
Mary Crowell
November 5, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. All my love and prayers to Jill and the family
Laurie Jensen
November 5, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the Benson family. I was born and raised in Grafton. Mr Benson was one of my English teachers. He was one of the good guys. I was not an easy student back then and he had a great deal of patience with me. I so enjoyed having him for one of my favorite teachers. Again, sorry for your loss.
Dick and Sharon Martin
November 5, 2021
Love and hugs, Jill, our neighborhood has lost a true friend. We will miss Gary and his many visits.
Gary Pritchard
November 5, 2021
Our thought and prayers are with you; Gary was just a great friend and loved life to its fullest; started teaching with him; many teacher conventions; parties on highway 57; ski trips; boating; helping fix my cars and the start of a retired teacher get-together in the summer; so many good memories of a great friend; you will be missed.
(Pritch)--Gary and Marlene Pritchard
Mark Wenckus
November 4, 2021
Gary's intelligence and appreciation of colleagues spanned decades. We're blessed to have known and worked
with him.
Deanne Phillips
November 4, 2021
Gary you will be missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, with a special hug for Jill.
Kathy Shepler
November 3, 2021
"I will MISS YOU my Friend". Watch over Jill from Heaven - she LOVED YOU so much (me too).
Mary Bronson
November 3, 2021
Jill, Very sorry for your loss. From Mary Bronson.
Don Lueth
November 3, 2021
A great mentor and wonderful friend. I'll miss our open discussions and your unique wit.
pat ginter
November 3, 2021
My heart goes out to you, Jeff
Mike&Lynn Christoph
November 3, 2021
Our great friend you are missed..
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Garfield Benson's name
Memorial Events
for Garfield Benson
Funeral services provided by:
Koepsell-Murray Funeral & Cremation Services, Beaver DamN7199 N. Crystal Lake Road, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
How to support Garfield's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Garfield Benson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
