Robert W. Benson

Integrity, character, and faithfulness marked the life of Robert W. Benson. He was born on September 18, 1921, and peacefully died November 18, 2012, at Cass County Medical Care Facility where he had lived the last two years of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Groe J. and Blanche (Haney) and a brother Cecil. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 51 years, Janette (Duffy) who preceded him in death on September 30, 1999. Life lessons he taught his children were the value of hard work, living what you believe, and loyalty to family. He inspired them to set and achieve goals, to be someone others could depend on, and to always do the right thing. He is survived by his daughters, Judeanne (Chuck), Mary “Kay”, and Patricia (Bill), and his sons Dennis (Sharon), Paul (Judy), and Jim (Lynda). He was preceded in death by his son, Larry, in 1980. He touched the lives of his grandchildren Jennifer, Bobby, Emily, Gretchen, Kimi, Ben, Whitney, Esther, Elisabeth, Caitlin, and Ruth. Bob will be remembered as Great Grandpa to Riley, Kayden, Alyssa, Gavin, Liam, Hunter, Arden, Mackenzie, Dylan, Ethan, Adelaide, and Carson. He served his country proudly in WW II from 1942-1945. Robert took pride in his career as an automotive parts manager. After his retirement, he enjoyed wood working, having learned that skill from building two homes for his family. As Robert reviewed his life in his later years, in his humility he recognized his success. His strength and endurance was evidenced to the end. The family will have a private celebration of his life at St. Anthony’s Church in Buchanan, MI, with burial at Genesee Prairie Cemetery in Kalamazoo with military rites conducted by the VFW of Comstock, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the Activities Department at Cass County Medical Care Facility in Cassopolis, MI, or St. Vincent DePaul Society. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Swem Chapel in Buchanan, MI.