Bertil Benson

Bertil “Bert” Benson, 91, of Fargo, ND died Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at Villa Maria, Fargo. Bertil “Bert” Edward Benson was born March 12, 1918, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Hugo and Betty Benson. He attended schools in Minneapolis where he graduated from high school. Bert married Florence Westby October 19, 1940, in Iowa. The family moved to Fargo in 1955. Bert worked as a salesman for Rufer Food Brokerage. He later owned and operated his own food brokerage firm known as Benson-Mitchell, Inc. He retired at the age of 62. Bert enjoyed playing golf and spending time with family at their Pelican Lake home. He also enjoyed hunting, playing cards and spending time at the Fargo Country Club. Bert is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Erickson, Fargo, ND; son-in-law, Ken Drobick, Orland Park, IL; a sister, Hilder (John) James, Portland, OR; five grandchildren, John, Joel and Christian Johanneson; Mary Miller and Susan Packard; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Florence; a daughter, Barbara, a sister, Violet Olson; a brother, Elmer and son-in-law, Dean Erickson. Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at 11:00 AM at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church. Entombment: Riverside Mausoleum, Fargo, ND.