Gerald William Benson "Jerry", 77, of Sisseton, SD, passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at Coteau Des Prairies Hospital, Sisseton. SD. Visitation will be held at the Living Word Full Gospel Church from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, May 2, 2016 with a Prayer Service to follow at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church., Sisseton, SD. Officiating the service will be Dr. Brian Adams and Rev. Dwight Fearing. Organist will be June Evenson and special music by Lucille Crooks and Irene Hanson. Interment will be at Goodwill Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. Pallbearers are his grandsons Shane Benson, Eric Benson, Jon Benson, Weston Byrd, William Benson, Coltyn Drietz, and Clayton Drietz. Honorary Pallbearers are his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
Jerry was born on August 11, 1938, in Sisseton, SD to Marvin and Evelyn (Solberg) Benson. He attended grade school in Goodwill Township, and then graduated from Sisseton High School in 1956. Jerry married Doris Jordahl on September 21, 1958. To this union were born five children. Jerry farmed and milked cows on his farm east of Sisseton. He also drove truck part time for Clinton Dahl, hauling cattle, while still farming. In 1970 he began selling seed and feed from the farm. In 1978 he moved the feed business to town, working with Fred Suurmeyer at Ben-Sur while continuing to farm and feed cattle. In 1982 Jerry joined forces with Tom Swoyer and built a new feed/seed building, T.J.'s Feed and Supply and Tri-State Commodities. In 1989 he decided to retire from the feed business. He continued to work part time for the elevator for a few years, farm and feed a few cattle. Jerry obtained his pastor's license in 2001. He held services for 13 years at his home. Following God's plan the Living Word Full Gospel Church was built in 2013.
Jerry loved the Lord above all else. He worked tirelessly to follow God's will and help lead people to the Lord. He bore the burdens of many who called him for prayer, guidance and advice. He has touched the lives of many.
Grateful to have shared in his life, his wife of 57 years, Doris of Sisseton, SD; his children Arnie (Kathy) Benson, Dean Benson(Terri Brooks), Dale (Juanita) Benson all of Sisseton, and Teresa (Michael) Drietz of Canby, MN, 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, and one sister Janice and (Donnie) Hillberg of Watertown, SD.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, his parents Marvin and Evelyn and a step-father Percy Tostenson.
In lieu of flowers, money can be given to the Living Word Full Gospel Church.