Gerald W. Benson's Obituary
Mr. Gerald William Benson, age 96, passed away in Muskegon on Friday, July 7, 2023. He was born in Ithaca, MI on August 28, 1926 to Ray Verne and Clara Smeltzer Benson. Jerry “Speedy” Benson was a loving husband and father who was well-liked and respected throughout his life. In his later years, as he struggled to overcome various medical challenges, each day he told himself, his family, and caregivers, “Everything is good.” And he meant it.
After his graduation from Montrose High School in 1944, he enlisted in the US Army and served in the South Pacific during WWII and in Korea in the Army Corp of Engineers.
He met and soon married Virginia Carol Dodge on January 26, 1950 and lived in Saranac, MI, for 16 years, working as and becoming a master tool and die technician and shop owner, while serving as a volunteer fireman and emergency first responder. After a move to Spring Lake, MI, and after his retirement, he turned his precision craftsmanship to the repair and restoration of antique furniture.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold and Earl; sisters, Reba and Arlene; as well as, his wife of 58 years, Virginia, in 2008.
He is survived by his daughter, Regan Claire Benson Schaeffer; son-in-law, Jeffrey Schaeffer; sons, Geoffrey and Christopher Benson; daughter-in-law, Julie Benson; his granddaughters, Maggie, Tassi and Leah Gregory, and numerous nieces and nephews.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456.
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