Paul Lewis Benson

Funeral services for Paul L. Benson, 78, of Rochester, Minnesota will be at 11:00am on Friday, February 3, 2012 at Zumbro Lutheran Church with the Reverend Jason Bryan-Wegner officiating.Private family burial will be at Pleasant Prairie Dale Cemetery.Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Friday at the church. Paul Lewis Benson was born on October 4, 1933 in Glasgow, Montana to Lewis and Olga (Haugen) Benson.He died on January 31, 2012 at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester. Paul moved with his family to Austin, Minnesota in 1945. He graduated from Austin High School.He worked for Relco Rafter Company in Albert Lea, Minnesota for a couple of years. On October 9, 1955 he married Patricia Anderson at St. Olaf Church in Austin, Minnesota.The couple made their home on a farm near Oakland, Minnesota and moved to Rochester in 1960.Paul worked for IBM for 31 years.He enjoyed playing cards, motorcycling, snowmobiling, fishing, gardening and traveling.Paul was also an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. Survivors include his wife, Pat of Rochester, Minnesota; one daughter, Kathy Moon of Rochester, Minnesota and two sons, Dave (Deb) Benson of Fairbanks, Alaska and Bryan Benson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; seven grandchildren and two brothers, Carl Benson of Oakland, Minnesota and John (Barbara) Benson of Minneapolis, Minnesota.Paul was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Memorials can be directed to the Mayo Alzheimers Association. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes5421 Royal Place NWRochester, MN55901 (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com