Joseph Thomas John Benson

Monday, October 22, 2018 1:25 pm

Joseph Thomas John Benson, 75, of Decorah, died Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. with a 4 p.m. scripture service Wednesday, Oct. 24, at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville. There also is a one-hour visitation before Mass at the church Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial with military rites is at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Postville, with Rev. Nils de Jesús Hernández as the celebrant. Burial is at a later date. Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville is helping the family with arrangements.

Joseph was born May 23, 1943, to Harlan and Ione G. (Wacha) Benson in Cresco. He lived in rural Elma and attended public school until the family moved to rural Cresco in 1948. Joseph attended Catholic school in Cresco and in 1950 the family moved in town Cresco. In 1959 the family moved to Postville. Joseph served in the United States Army.

Joseph was united in marriage with Becky Bakken in February 1968. They later divorced; but to this day Joe would say to Becky, “You will always be my Sweetie.” Joseph was then united in marriage with Sheila Engelhart; they later divorced. Joe enjoyed spending time with family and going out to eat with his brothers. His greatest joy was seeing his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings Football and Chicago Cubs baseball, going gambling and fishing.

Joseph is survived by his daughters: Brenda (Tim) Boyle of Cresco, Tina (Scott) Wedo of Spillville and Kristal Benson of Decorah; step-daughter, Sabrina (Patrick) Baltes of Marble Rock; grandchildren: Zachary Vick (Niki Jirak), Courtney Vick (Nick Tarvin), Micheala Benson and Alex and Ellie Baltes; great-grandchildren: Mason and Nicholas Tarvin and Hunter Jirak (Sheldon); his siblings: Leonard (Janet) Benson of Postville, Dave (Theresa) Benson of Frankville, Tom (Julie) Benson of Postville, Bob Benson of Postville and Mary Bell (Kenny) McCormick of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Ione Benson; and one brother William John Benson.