Jack Charles Benson, 79, of Helena, MT passed Friday October 29, 2010 at Elkhorn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clancy after a long illness.
He was born November 7, 1930, in Butte, MT the son of Theodore and Aleen (DesChene) Benson. During his senior year of high school he marched in the 1949 Rose Bowl Parade as a member of the Butte High Marching Band. He also was an active participant in the Butte High Ski Club earning a Bronze medal in the 1949 Rocky Mountain Regional Ski jumping competition. After completing High School he worked for the State of Montana Highway Department from 1949-1951 and then entered the United States Army 1951-1953. Jack served in Korea and trained as an engineer building airstrips for the 5th Air Force. He received the United Nation and Korean Service Medals. He was honorably discharged as a Chief Construction Supervisor. Upon returning to Montana he resumed work with the State of Montana as a Highway Engineer until retiring in 1979.
Jack and Joan Roberts were married June 19, 1954 in Billings, MT. He was then assigned to Broadus, Hammond, Lame Deer, and finally to Helena in 1959 with the Highway Department where he and Joan have since resided. Jack enjoyed trap shooting, hunting, fishing and many more outdoor sports. He also loved the Helena High Bengals, UM Grizzlies, Atlanta Braves and Denver Broncos.
He was a past master of Helena Morning Star Masonic Lodge #5 A.F. & A.M. and received his 50 year pin in September 2009. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies and Helena Trap Club. Jack was a baseball coach, pinewood derby car builder and an avid outdoorsman supporting Dan and Dave in all their childhood activities.
Jack and Joan spent many wonderful times traveling to Mexico, Arizona and other destinations in their motor home. He enjoyed a trip to Alaska camping in Denali and then fishing for salmon and halibut with his sons in 1998. For their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004 the family traveled on a cruise to Alaska and then onto Denali park and Fairbanks which was a highlight.
Jack was a very caring and loving person. His unforgettable smile, laugh and unconditional love will be remembered by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore in 1948 and Aleen in 1972. Survivors include his wife of 56 years Joan, son, Daniel (Sandi) of Helena, and son Dave (Claire) of Denver, CO, cousins Carol (Gary) Weyer, Great Falls, Myron (Joyce) DesChene of Lake Havasu City, AZ. Also surviving are close friends Dan (Roberta) Emett, Butte, Pat Lightbody, Jerry and Karen Lundin, George Pendergast, all of Helena.
The family will receive friends between the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, November 3rd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday November 4th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home at 2:00 pm. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort Harrison. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Whitesitt, Jerry Lundin, George Pendergast, Mike Lightbody, Mark Keller, and Steve Netschert. Memorials may be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society if so desired.
The family would like to extend their grateful appreciation to the personnel, doctors and all who gave such wonderful care to him from the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Helena and Denver, Elkhorn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clancy and Hospice of St. Peter’s. The family would like to send a very special thank you to Dr. Morrow at Fort Harrison Veteran’s Hospital.
Tapper Lite!
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Connie Cutler says
Joan, Dan and Dave,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Jack was such a dear friend. I will miss our birthday exchanges. I missed him last year and did not realize he was ill at that time. I will forever cherish his friendship.
Teresa Menicucci says
Oh Joan, I didn’t know Jack was sick. I am so sorry. a gentleman too soon lost. I remember the night I met Jack at the Christmas party and you broke the key off in the ignition. I fell in love with you both.
Mar says
What a lovely memorial and picture of Jack. I am going to miss his smile. Sorry I can’t be there for you, but you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Helen Richter says
Joan, I was sorry to learn that Jack passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Lorena says
Dan & Sandi,
The early morning crew was saddened to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you.
Blessings, Lorena, Deb & Barb
Joan Heberly says
Joan
I always enjoyed that wonderful smile and sense of humor that Jack possessed—thinking of you
Joan
Ron Routzahn says
My condolences to the family, Jack was a special person.