Steve Benson - Celebration of Life Sunday May 18th

Our family welcomes everyone to a short service and lunch to celebrate Steve's life on Sunday, May 18th at 12:30pm at The Hub 10 North Broadway Avenue, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Steve was the first born of proud parents Millie and Sherman Benson. Making his entry on March 26, 1948, in Duluth, MN, he was a lifelong Cook County resident. Steve shares the nickname of his maternal grandfather, while his friends all knew him as “Benny.”
He graduated from Cook County High School in 1966.  Along with several classmates, he headed to Bemidji State College graduating in 1970 with a BS in American history. He always enjoyed learning about people and past events. He especially enjoyed reading area history by local authors.
His second year in college, Steve met the love of his life, Yvonne Person. They married in 1976 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Together they built their home on Devil’s Track Lake. It was the perfect spot for them to enjoy snowmobiling, four-wheeler, and pontoon rides on the lake. They carefully tended their land and enjoyed watching their neighboring wildlife. Each year he noted the ice out date on the lake, a tradition now entrusted to neighbors.
Most of his younger years were spent in the family business, Midway Service. Steve had a passion for engines, both building and fixing. One of his most unique creations was a fan powered bicycle. A favorite was his 1947 green international truck perfect for bird hunting and exploring the backwoods. The “Binder” continues to bring joy to his nephew and family.
After college, his first permanent job was as the county assessor for Cook County. In 1978 his brother Buck joined, to manage Midway for their father Sherman and Uncle Harold Benson. They transitioned the sporting goods business to include hardware.
A fire in 1988 brought the end of Midway Service. Always a perfectionist, his attention to detail served him well when he became a carpenter. He worked with Fred Anderson until he was hired by his good friend Glenn Peterson. They built many houses and commercial buildings in the county. 
After a 2nd heart attack, retirement came early for Steve. Determined to enjoy life, his daily 4-mile walks kept him outdoors and always ready to visit with neighbors. An early morning riser, Steve could be found with his coffee buddies in various spots around town. His well-organized garage provided him with endless hours for projects.
Kids just loved Steve; he had special knack with them. He created a special bond with his nieces and nephews.
He belonged to the local Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Lion’s Club, the Cook County Ridge Riders, and CC ATV Club. Until his retirement, he was a volunteer at the Grand Marais Fire Department.
Preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law Ruby Anderson, Steve is survived by his wife Yvonne, brother Buck Benson and sister Tracy Benson (Pete).  Brother-in-law Roger (Kathy) Person, sister’s in-law Linda (Brian) Walker and Sharon (Bob) Carlson as well as several nieces and nephews and their families.

The Hub 10 North Broadway Avenue, Grand Marais, MN