BENSON, Frederick L.

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, AZ May 11, 2005 Mr. Frederick L. Benson, of Cottonwood, son of Olive and Earl Bensen, died May 6, 2005, after struggling with cancer for the last eight years. He was born in Jackson, Mich. He was preceded by his brother Robert and is survived by his brother John of Walnut Creek, Calif., and his Lois, of Cottonwood. He leaves behind his loving and caring wife, Betty, of 53 years, his devoted children, Matthew of Great Fall, Va., and Roy of Vienna, Va., and Laura Lee of Henderson, Nev. He had five grandchildren, Melissa Perozich, Jessica Bensen, Michael and Hannah Bensen, Callen Peet and one great-grandchild, Michael, son of Melissa and Michael Perozich. He was a member of the Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Cottonwood in which he was a member of the church council. Additionally, he was a Charter Member of the U.S. Marine Corp League of Cottonwood, and a devoted volunteer of the Old Town Mission. In addition to his armed forces service he served his country as a systems analyst in the U.S. Department of Defense for 53 years. His hobbies included reading, bridge, golf and hiking. He was a very kind and generous man who had traveled extensively sharing his love. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to: American Cancer Society, sent to American Cancer Society/Town of Clarkdale, P.O. Box 308, Clarkdale AZ 86324, Benefiting Verde Valley Relay for Life. Memorial services were May 9, conducted by Pastor Rick Alpers of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church. Westcott Funeral Home of Cottonwood is assisting with arrangements.