Watch Jerome's Funeral Service

Jerome Benson, age 88, of Waubun, MN, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at home on his farm.

Jerome Leland Benson was born February 7, 1933 to Walter and Cecilia (Skrypek) Benson.  The first years of his childhood were spent in St. Paul, MN, until the family relocated and settled in the Waubun area.  Jerome attended the Adams Schoolhouse and completed his education to the 10 ^th grade.  Jerome had learned various skills as a young man by working alongside his dad, Walter.  He put those skills and his dream for a "bigger" life to work and moved out to Washington state to work in the lumber yards.  While there, he mailed letters to the cousin of the love of his life, Madeline Marie Ahles.  Jerome and Madeline were never really allowed to date, but in 1952 Jerome moved back to Waubun and was united in marriage to Madeline.  On September 30, 2021, they would have been married 69 fulfilling years.  Jerome and Madeline moved to their farm East of Waubun shortly after they married and began to fill their home with love and children.  Much to Jerome's delight, he was blessed with two sons and six daughters.  Jerome worked hard for and along-side his family.  He spent many years logging, fur trapping and skinning, driving semi-truck for Gabor and E.W. Wylie; all while the dairy cows still needed to be milked. Over the years, Jerome worked different jobs and enjoyed many things and always remained a farmer.  In his younger days, he enjoyed racing Viking snowmobiles and spending time outdoors having picnics with his family.  In more recent days, he could be found in the woods, always cutting wood for winter or "taking care" of thistles in the pasture.  Most Sundays, Jerome could be found in the front pew at Lake Grove Lutheran Church of Waubun; a place he held dear in his heart.  For many years, he collected and hand crushed aluminum cans for the Sunday School children to make sure they would be able to attend Bible Camp each year.  After church, he would eagerly await the Sunday visitors of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  We will always cherish all the mid-morning and mid-afternoon "lunches" that were had with daddy/grandpa.  Jerome will always be remembered for his avid dedication and love of Elk hunting in Montana and Utah.  Every year he spent time at "Elk Camp" with various family and friends.  In the most recent years, Jerome could still out-walk and out-hunt the youngest man at camp.

Jerome is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Madeline Marie Benson;  eight children: Kathy (Bill) Gomall, Kenny (Kim) Benson, Linda (Brian) Adams, JoAnne (Gordon) Zurn, Cindy (Bruce) Adams, Carol (Bill) Stalberger, Marlene (David) Stalberger all of Waubun, and Roger (Deanna) Benson of Bluffton, MN;  his sister; Arlene (Verlyn) Skersick of Lake George, MN; a special niece, Connie (Kerry) Skersick of Detroit Lakes, MN, and several nieces and nephews.  Jerome also leaves behind 25 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Jerome is proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Cecilia Benson; his brother, Stanley, and sister-in-law, Jeanie Benson; an infant brother, Larry Benson; parents-in-law, Michael and Katherine Ahles and brothers-in-law: Herbert (Mary-Ann) Ahles, Ervin Ahles and Leonard Ahles.  Jerome was also reunited at last with his very best friend and longtime hunting buddies, John Bartos and Ron Aanerud.  He leaves behind a legacy of love and family.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Lake Grove Lutheran Church, rural Waubun, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Waubun, MN.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, and CDC guidelines, social distancing will be practiced. Masks are required at the church. Services will be recorded and available for viewing on our website.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available.