Rodney Benson

Rodney Benson's journey in this world started in Sheldon, IA on January 3, 1938. He was born to Fred and Betty (Myrtle) Benson and joined his older brother Bradley, who remained very close to him throughout his life. He was preceded in death by Fred, Betty, his brother Brad and his wife Carol. He is survived by his wife Margaret Rider (Bauer); 4 children, Darcy Kamin, Lisa Searcy, Heather Suhsen (husband Kevin), and Tricia Bennett. He is also survived by 6 step children Scott, Steve, and Nate Bauer, Susan Price, Lori Stafford and Jeff Forsman. Together, Margaret and Rodney have 22 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Rodney passed gently from this world Tuesday evening, October 23rd with his wife Margaret and his beloved niece, Anne (Lebrun), by his side. We all take comfort in knowing that he is peaceful. Rodney was a proud alumnus of the University of Colorado in Boulder. His primary work was in Chamber of Commerce leadership where he loved helping to build strong business communities and working on economic development projects. He served as the Chamber of Commerce Executive in Kalamazoo, Michigan and in Boulder, Colorado, where he lived with his then wife Kay, and his daughters, Darcy, Heather and Tricia. He continued his Chamber of Commerce career in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he married Carol Forsman. In his later years Rod continued with economic development consulting work and loved being a proprietor of an award winning 'Benson House' Bed and Breakfast in Petoskey, Michigan with Carol. After Carol's passing, Rodney re-connected with and later married Margaret Bauer who was also from Sheldon. They both retired in Charlevoix, Michigan where they were very active in their church community. More recently, Rodney and Margaret returned to Sheldon to be closer to their families, who appreciated the opportunity to visit them both more frequently. We will miss Rod's kind words, his sense of humor and his spirited conversation. We will Celebrate Rodney's life this Saturday, October 27th. The graveside service will begin at 10:00 am at the Eastlawn cemetery. Our celebration will continue at the Sheldon United Methodist Church at 11:00 am shortly following the graveside service and conclude with a light lunch. Pastor Kevin Gingerich will be officiating.