Jerry Benson, 72, Luverne, died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne.
A memorial visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. Burial will be in the Ely Cemetery.
Jerry Benson was born on Feb. 21, 1948, to Stanley and Evelyn Benson in Ely. He graduated from William Kelley High School in Silver Bay in 1966. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history and social studies from Bemidji State University in Bemidji in 1970 and began his career as a social studies teacher in Magnolia, where he taught from 1970-1981. From 1981-2017 he taught in Luverne. He was also an adjunct professor of geography and psychology at Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Worthington, from 1986-2002. Jerry received his master’s degree in geography and cartography in 2008 through South Dakota State University in Brookings. In 2012 he received his post doctorate degree in geography as well as serving on the SAGE Steering Committee and being involved with the Lewis & Clark Bi-Centennial. Jerry officially retired on May 31, 2017.
Jerry received the American History Teacher of the Year Award in 2009, sponsored by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, which recognizes outstanding teachers across the nation and emphasizes the importance of American history. He also received both national and international teaching awards from the Council for Geographic Education. Jerry was the head speech and debate coach for 45 years and encouraged his students to strive to be the best in everything they do. He had a passion for reading and collected over 6,000 books.
Jerry is survived by his mother, Evelyn Benson, of Ely; siblings Phillip (Ruby) Benson of Andover and Sandra (David) Severson of Westminster, Colorado; nieces Nanette (Tim) Yurecko and Courtney (Ben) Provido; and nephews Phillip Benson Jr. and Brandon Severson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Benson.
Memorials are preferred to Good Samaritan Society-Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne.
Arrangements are provided by the Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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