Richard D. Benson (Froggy)

Richard was born March 8, 1932, in Nadeau, Mich., to the late Andrew and Hanna (Christiansen) Benson. He graduated in 1951 from Powers-Spalding High School and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving as corporal from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War. An energetic patriot, he was a member of the Carney Legion Post 487 and 40 et 8 (Society of 40 men and 8 horses) and appreciated the opportunity to visit the memorials on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Growing up as a farm hand and filling many roles on the farm and in industry he valued and respected the farming life. He loved delivering to farmers, discussing crops and weather, and just chewing the fat. He took a truck driver position with Smeester Brothers traveling all over the country. There wasn’t a highway, rest-stop, dispatcher, or mechanic he didn’t know and he continued to entertain us throughout his life with his experiences. Fifty years later he could still recollect the smell of the fresh oranges cargo from the sunshine state. He retired from Smeester in 1994, but couldn’t stay still for long and began delivering locally for Wendricks Truss. He always said “I have more miles going backwards than you have going forward,” and earned a perfect professional driving record.  Dick loved throwing together a crock of chicken, beans, venison tips, or chili and enjoyed sharing with his friends.

More than anything Froggy enjoyed the outdoors…. He passed his passion for hunting and fishing onto his son Bob, and grandson, “little fella” Jeremy, and they continued to hunt together every season. He loved catching a huge salmon on Lake Michigan just as much as a nice buck. The biggest belly-laugh stories probably come from Frog’s hunting exploits. No one appreciated the art of laughing at oneself more than Frog. He valued spending time at camp with family and friends and everyone was always welcome.  

He made great use of his little front yard garden producing huge crops of tomatoes he would share with the community. He was also dedicated to making delicious maple syrup. An avid sports fan, he followed North Central and Carney games also attending to watch grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighbors on the court. Every conversation was hi-lights from the prior game (or maybe a game 35 years ago — you know the ones). He also followed the Tigers, Packers, and Spartans with great enthusiasm ….and often frustration.

Froggy was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Harold Benson, Clarence Benson, Kenneth Benson, Lloyd Benson, Maurice Benson, Gerald Benson, and sisters, Eunice Ellenberger, Lucille Moore, Evelyn Sheski.

Richard was previously married to and preceded in death by June Nolde and is survived by Bonnie (Brian) LeBombard of Pembine, Wis., Rich Benson of Darboy, Wis., Cindy (Billy) Bonus of Adams-Friendship, Wis., Bob (Mary) Benson of Sobieski, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Josh LeBombard of Marinette, Wis., Krista LeBombard (great-grandson Brayden) of Peshtigo, Wis., Tyler LeBombard of Kaukauna, Wis., Bradley Menard of Denver, Colo., and Calsey Menard (great-grandson Cayden) of Adams-Friendship, Wis., Mallory Benson of Charlotte, N.C., Jeremy Benson of DePere, Wis.; two brothers, Andrew (Judy) Benson of Hubertus, Wis., Vernon (Butch) (Mary) Benson of Holmen, Wis., and two sisters Harriet Boruch of Schofield, Wis., and Verna Perras of Indianapolis, Ind.

Visitation for Froggy will be held at Anderson Diehm Funeral home in Stephenson, Mich., on Saturday, March 9, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and military rites at noon followed by the funeral service. A message of condolence may be sent to the family at www.andersondiehm.com.

Froggy requested we celebrate his life and enjoy a cold one with a meal at the Carney Legion following the services.