Matthew M. Benson

Memorial service for Matthew Maurice Benson, 66, of Hoyt Lakes, will be 11am Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora with Pastor Brendan Johnston officiating. Friends may gather one hour prior to the service. Military honors will be accorded by the Aurora/Hoyt Lakes Color Guard. Matthew died suddenly Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Fairview Mesabi Clinic in Hibbing, MN. He was born October 22, 1947 in Cloquet, MN to Russell and Verna (Olson) Benson. Matthew was a 1966 graduate of Cromwell High School and was drafted into the US Army and served two tours in Vietnam. He was discharged June 13, 1969, met Jeanne Johnson, and was married November 1, 1969 in Hoyt Lakes. He worked for Conoco Oil Refinery in Wrenshall, MN and upon its closure worked construction. He worked for Nelson's and Northland Constructors, retiring from there in 2000. Following his retirement, he worked for the City of Hoyt Lakes and for Palm's Town Pump. Matthew was a member of the Timothy Robinson VFW Post of Hoyt Lakes and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wright, MN. In his spare time you could find him camping with family, fishing or lending a hand to anyone in need. He especially enjoyed telling a good joke or listening to music. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Jeanne; son, Jason (Cheryl) Benson of Hoyt Lakes; daughter, Betsy (Jim) Karkinen of Hoyt Lakes; grandchildren: Samantha (Andy Mesich) Benson, Gustav Karkinen and Chloe Benson; several nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and many other special and close relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Judy Benson.