Jerry was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on March 4, 1948, the son of Judien Benson and Mildred “Millie” Cora Benson. He was the youngest of three children; Allen, Roger & Jerry. He graduated from Lake Mills, IA high school in 1966.
He married Teri Cromley on August 13, 1966. Jerry & Teri had three children, Carolyn, Jerry Wayne, and Jim. They moved from Rochester, MN to Missouri in 1975. He later married Ruth Ann in 1989 adding three step-children to his family; Kathleen, Carol & John. Jerry and Ruth were united until his passing.
He was trained as a meat cutter and held various positions as part of a happy & rewarding career. After retirement, he traveled with sons, Jerry & Jim, as part of a trucking business allowing the opportunity to travel most of the United States. He later enjoyed driving a school bus for time it provided with kids, helping them to and from school.
Jerry loved camping, dogs, fishing, hunting, and traveling. He was an avid outdoorsman and pool shooter and MN Vikings fan. He enjoyed fishing with daughter & sons, teaching his grandkids how to fish, and family time. He enjoyed traveling & fishing adventures with family to Minnesota, Canada, Texas, Florida, and many areas to pursue his love of nature, family and outdoors. He and Ruth enjoyed time in their camper while snow-birding in Rockport, TX.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 35 years, Ruth Ann of the home and beloved Cocker Spaniel, Lucky; three children: Carolyn Blake (Robert) of Liberty, MO; Jerry Wayne of Pleasant Hill, MO; and Jim of Pleasant Hill, MO; Step-children: Kathleen DeCarlo (Steve) of Melrose, MA, Carol Holsman (Todd) of Raymore, MO, and John Parker of Oskaloosa, IA; grandchildren: Natasha Ploog (Zach); Nasser Baroqua & fiancé Chesle (Carolyn), Haley Benson (Jim), Jordan Benson (Jerry Wayne); Step grandkids: Alex and Bryce Holsman (Carol), Natalia DeGroot (Kathleen), Colin DeCarlo (Kathleen), Dylan Blake (Carolyn), Megan Anderson; great-grandchildren, Anthony (Natalia) and Eden (Megan).
Jerry was an organ donor and his corneas were donated to restore the sight of two people on his passing.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger Benson; and Uncle Snookie.
A celebration of life will be at the home, Saturday, January 6, 2024, noon to 3 p.m..
