Obituary - Posted: 11/2/06
James Benson
James Daniel Benson, 71, of New Albin, IA and formerly of Elmhurst and Chicago, IL died October 30, 2006, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI.
He was born on January 5, 1935 in Evanston, IL, the son of James L. and Teresa (Howe) Benson. He attended St. Bartholomew Grade School in Chicago and graduated in 1952 from Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, WI.
His first career was as a Chicago policeman in the 1960s. He served one tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps before returning to his police duties. He attended De Paul University in Chicago and earned his undergraduate degree and his Juris Doctorate. He practiced law for a time in Elmhurst, and then began a 25-year career at Chicago Title and Trust Co. in Chicago. He retired in 1999.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Mary (Mauss) Benson; daughters Mary T. (Byron) Gajewski of Kansas City, MO; and Alison M. Benson of Elmhurst IL; one grandson; and his in-laws: Bernard and Lucille Mauss and Dale Mauss of New Albin; Patricia and Jim Wellendorf of Lansing, IA; Doris and Charles Berns of Harpers Ferry, IA; and Rita and Jim Sanchez and Larry Mauss of La Crosse, plus numerous nieces and nephews.
A wake will be held on Thursday, November 2, from 4 - 8 p.m. at the New Albin Town House. Funeral services will be Friday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Josephís Catholic Church in New Albin. The Kenneth Casey Post #5603 of the VFW will provide military Honor Guard. A separate service will take place at a later date in Chicago.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Gundersen Lutheran FoundationñHospice Department. The Thornburg Hanson Funeral Home in Lansing is assisting the family.
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