Obituary of Miles K. Benson

Miles k. Benson October 21,1937-October 9, 2014 Miles was born on October 21, 1937, in St. Paul Minnesota to Myrtle and Irven Benson. He was the eldest son of four children. His siblings were Gloria (Richard) Magnuson, Lois (Donald) Johnson, and David Benson. Miles graduated with a B.S. in forestry from the University of Minnesota in 1959. On August 27th, 1960, he married the love of his life, Judith Ferree Dale in Madison, Wisconsin and they remained married for 54 years. They first settled in Appleton, WI where he worked at the Institute of Paper Chemistry. There he did genetic research on improving production of the Quaking Aspen for our paper industry. While in Appleton, three children were born to him: Andy (Liz) and Catherine both of Madison, and Kristin of Greeneville, Tennessee. Later he took a job with Owens Illinois in Tomahawk, WI. Soon after he was transferred to Lynchburg, Va. where he managed the woodlands. In 1978, he accepted a job for Consolidated Paper company in Rhinelander, Wi so he could return to the area he loved the most. In 1988, he accepted a promotion as the Director of Timberlands for Consolidated Paper Company and moved to Wisconsin Rapids. There he retired in 2000. Miles was the beloved grandfather of six grandchildren: Frayah, Chloe, Dylan, Grant Bartuska, along with Grace, and Reidar Benson all of Madison. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He particularly enjoyed goose and duck hunting in the Horicon area with his previous boss and friend for over 50 years, Dean Einspahr, of Appleton. He shot his final goose last fall and took pride in his recipe for goose jerky. Miles was a member of The Ridge gun club where he participated in Trap shooting with his close friend Lee Amundson. He recently ended his last day of trap shooting with a perfect score. Miles received numerous awards throughout his life for the variety of organizations he gave his time to. He served as president and active member of the local chapter of the Society of American Foresters, American Pulpwood Association, and The Forest History Association of Wisconsin. He was a man of strong faith and belonged to several Lutheran churches throughout his life. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids where he served as President of the Church for several years. Our family would like to thank the nurses and staff on the 5th wing dementia unit at Edgewater Nursing Home for their highly professional and compassionate care they gave to Miles during his short stay there. Visitation will be held on Thursday October 16th from 10:00-11:00 am with a service to follow at Grace Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church. Miles loved the trees and forests of which he planted many. He found solace in his garden along with the outdoors. "I have planted three trees for every one I cut down," Miles would proudly say, "Who wouldn't care more for the tree and environment than a forester?" When you look at a tall, strong pine ...think of Miles. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Wisconsin Rapids is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfunerahome.net