Obituary of Kenneth Benson

Kenneth J. Benson, age 74 of Oakdale, Minnesota died on July 9, 2021, at this home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman, Julian and Ilo. Ken will be deeply missed by his children, Tracy (Shira) Charpentier, Amy Charpentier, Troy (Sarah) Benson, and Tara Benson (Kelly Prunty); many beautiful grandkids and even a handful of amazing great grandkids; sister, Kasey Gartin; his neighbor and best friend for more that 30 years, Linda Nelson; other relatives and many friends. In his younger days, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Ken leaves behind his family – who he saw as his greatest joy! He enjoyed and worked hard parenting his kids and did a great job. Being a hardworking, dedicated employee, Ken retired from the Ramsey County Libraries where he was the Superintendent of Buildings. His quirky sense of humor was unique to him, and everyone had come to expect it -- if he were writing his own obituary, it might have said he went “up in smoke!” He was a member of the MSRA and had a fascination for fast-moving good-looking vehicles. Having a beautiful yard was so important to him and continued to be until the day of his death. He will truly be missed. A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held from 11 AM – 4 PM, Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Segreant Peppers, 930 Helena Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. Ken will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN on Tuesday, August 31st at 10:45 AM. Please join his family for the Celebration of his Life and the Inurnment Service with Military Honors at Fort Snelling.