Duane Benson

Duane E. Benson, a faithful servant of God, died peacefully at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2016 with family gathered at Hanson Hospice Center following an extended illness.

He was born on August 6, 1945 in Charlotte, Michigan to Clynis Albin and Edythe Esma (Ballard) Benson. He was graduated from Charlotte High School, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from Spring Arbor (Michigan) College (now University), and continued his education at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan and Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo). He began his teaching career at Concord (Michigan) Community Schools before coming to Niles Community Schools where he taught – mostly in the science classrooms at Ballard and Ring Lardner Junior High Schools – for thirty-two years.

Duane was a member of the Mapleview Free Methodist Church in Niles for forty-seven years. At Mapleview he taught Sunday School, was an adult leader for the teen program, sang in the praise team, and was a member of the Board of Trustees. He also served on the boards of Somerset (Michigan) Beach Campground of the Free Methodist Church, and the Michigan Science Olympiad. At Ring Lardner he sponsored the Science Olympiad Club, coached the football and volleyball teams, and advised the model building club and the rocketry club. He could also be found in his home shop building models, and woodworking.

His life was focused on serving God by caring for everyone in his life. Family members, friends, students and many others benefited from a variety of caring gifts that Duane offered. He also participated in mission trips in Michigan, Kentucky, Brazil, and Nigeria. In every endeavor – teaching, cabinetmaking, or studying God’s Creation - Duane strove for the greatest level of excellence, to give glory to God.

On September 9, 1967 in Pontiac, Michigan he married the former Elizabeth L. Morris with whom he celebrated two weeks ago the forty-ninth anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Liz Benson and their children, Curtis (& Gwen) Kenney-Benson of Lockport, Illinois, Michael Benson of Lakeview, Oregon, and Jean Ziesmer of Largo, Florida; grandchildren Spencer Kenney-Benson, Duncan Kenney-Benson, and Jillian Ziesmer; and Duane’s siblings, Karl Benson of Danville, Kentucky, Neil Benson of Red Wing, Minnesota, Cheri (& Milton) Green of Burgaw, North Carolina, Lora (& Steve) Dunham of Lone Tree, Iowa, and Tina Benson of Lexington, Kentucky; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Duane Benson will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 30, 2016 at the Mapleview Free Methodist Church, 1837 Niles-Buchanan Road, Niles with the Rev. Greg Rensberry of the church officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Contributions in memory of Duane may be made to the Mapleview Free Methodist Church for youth camp scholarships.