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John Benson bought the funeral home and the furniture store in 1905 from the Swanson family.
John’s son Harold started working at the funeral home in 1931, and in 1939 after spending several years at its
second location at Eleventh St. and Third Av. where the Daily Globe now stands, they moved to a third location on Fourteenth St.
and Fourth Ave. which was previously a private residence.
The Furniture Store - Funeral Service
 
John Benson and Harold Benson
In 1943 John suffered from an accident fighting a fire; he died later that year causing Gus Benson (John’s brother), Harold Benson, and Erwin Graf to form a new partnership. In 1945 Gus Benson was killed in car-train crash. His daughter Inez Madsen, also a mortician joined the firm; she retired in the 1960s.
In 1961 Jon Benson (Harold’s son) joined the funeral home and became a partner in 1965. The furniture store was closed in the late 1960s as the Benson’s decided to focus on funeral service. In 1967 Bob Benson (Harold’s son) became a partner. Harold retired in 1975. In 1994 Jeremy Abrego joined the staff as a licensed funeral director, having several years of experience. In 1998, Lori Fauskee joined the staff as the office manager.
The Fourth Street Funeral Home
 
Bob Benson and Phillip Benson
In 2000, celebrating 95 years of local and family ownership, Phillip Benson joined as a licensed funeral director, becoming a fourth generation director. In 2005, Benson Funeral Home moved into a new facility, which provides a larger gathering location for families. The new facility includes off-street parking, a chapel that seats 200, family rooms, and the ability to accommodate fine catered meals. |