Obituaries

Richard Leroy Benson, age 94, of Raber, Michigan, died on January 9, 2026 at Freighter View Assisted Living. He was born on February 26, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Russell and Sarah (Lane) Benson.

Richard Benson was raised in Detroit but his heart was always in Raber, in the Upper Peninsula, where he retired and remained until his death. As a young man, he became a draftsman and worked in the auto industry for forty years, but he had an enduring love for travel. He traveled to over thirty countries over the years, having adventures such as watching baseball games at midnight in Alaska, riding camels in Egypt, visiting Mt. Everest in Nepal, and riding with a dog sled team across northern Ontario. He and his wife Patsy taught his two daughters, Janet and Amy, to love nature and travel by tenting across North America and on his grandfather’s land in Raber each summer.

Richard was an ardent environmentalist and gardener. He was an early adopter of composting and organic growing techniques, careful to protect the land from chemicals. He belonged to the Sault Naturalists group, as well as to national environmental organizations, and was always ready to learn and share tips with other nature lovers. He was a good steward of the land, protecting endangered species and caring for birds. In Raber, he loved to be out in nature as much as possible, hunting and fishing with his family, hiking, sailing, kayaking, and gardening.

He was always curious to learn more about history, engineering, other cultures, and he loved music from all over the world, and he had a special love for bluegrass and Willie Nelson. He tried never to miss the Pickford Pickers sessions every Saturday.

A member of Lutheran churches all his life, most recently Bethel Lutheran in Cedarville, Michigan, one of his proudest accomplishments was going on forty-eight mission trips with the Lutheran Ministry. In Slovakia, Russia, Poland, and Nicaragua, among other countries, Richard would help build and maintain Lutheran schools, churches, and community centers. In Nicaragua, he built a food distribution center for people in need. Before these trips, he would gather donations and collect soap, pencils and paper, and other supplies to distribute. It gave him great pleasure to combine his faith, love of travel, and work ethic to help others.

Richard is survived by his sister, Joyce Melling and her family; his daughters, Janet Benson and Amy Benson; granddaughter, Eden Hungerford; great-granddaughter, Sterling; and grandson, Beals Repetto.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Sarah.

He loved and worked hard for his family, and he will be missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

A Memorial Service will be held in July of 2026.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.