Arthur Benson, Jr., age 78, of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Jr. Benson was born to Arthur and Odell (Swenson) Benson on August 3, 1940 near Twin Valley, MN. He was raised in this area, attending country school in Faith, MN. On July 24, 1960 Arthur was united in marriage to Carol Lien at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. The couple lived east of Twin Valley, in the Faith area, where they farmed. Over the years, Jr. and Carol were blessed with six children whom they raised together on the farm. Jr. spent many years farming and working construction to provide for his family. He also sold farm equipment, specializing in planters, for a number of years before retiring in 2011. In 2012, Jr. and Carol moved to Mahnomen.

Family and faith were of most importance to Jr. These two aspects were evident in his everyday life.  He was very involved with the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his spare time, Jr. made sure to make time for hunting and fishing at Lake of the Woods. He often shared the story of his elk hunting trip in Grand Tetons, Wyoming. He also greatly enjoyed playing cards with his card friends and playing thirty-one with his children and grandchildren. During the holidays, Jr. looked forward to making his perfect Lutefisk for his family. His generous heart, contagious smile, sparkling blue eyes, and dimple in his chin will be missed by all who knew him.

Arthur is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Carol; two sons, Robert Benson and Rodney (Tammy) Benson, all of Mahnomen; four daughters: Connie (John) Radtke of Fosston, MN, Becky (Shane) DeSautel of Lake Park, MN, Carla (Sam) Blattenbauer of Lake Park, MN, and Nancy Benson of Grafton, ND; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Donna Lee of Hendrum, MN.  He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Arlin.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 pm, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home, Twin Valley, on Friday, January 18, 2019. Interment will follow the funeral service at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley. Online guestbook at www.andersonfamilyfh.com