Roger Leroy Benson
June 6, 1948 — June 7, 2019
Roger Leroy Benson, age 71, of Lyons, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2019, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church at Huntimer, rural Colton. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Monday June 10th, at the church, with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 PM. Interment will be in the Benton Lutheran Cemetery, rural Crooks. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Lyons Fire Department.
Roger was born on June 6, 1948, in Sioux Falls, to Leroy and LaVina (Polzin) Benson. He grew up on a farm near Lyons and graduated from Lyons High School in 1966. He attended General Beadle College in Madison until enlisting in the Air National Guard in 1969. On April 25, 1970, he married Teresa Jo Oppold. Together, they made a beautiful life raising their children, crops, and cattle on the family farm near Lyons.
Roger was a dedicated member of the Lyons Fire Department for 40 years. He served as Assistant Fire Chief and was an EMT for over 25 years. Roger volunteered as an EMT at the Sioux Empire Fair and Tri-Valley sporting events for many years. He also was a Lyons Township supervisor for 12 years. Roger was a member of St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir with good friends.
Roger enjoyed his coffee groups at Berge’s Store in Colton and Central Farmers Coop in Lyons. He had a contagious spirit and could make friends with anyone; he was a great visitor, an avid storyteller and jokester. He loved to farm, hunt, fish and attend Tri-Valley sporting events. He was selected as Tri-Valley Fan of the Year in 2000. Roger had nicknames for everyone. His CB handle was “Road Runner” and Teresa’s handle in return was “Mrs. Clean”. Roger and Teresa’s forever song was “My Girl” by The Temptations. He often sang to her, the kids, and grandkids with a swing and dance in his step. Roger never had an empty “buddy” seat as he loved sharing his passion for farming with his kids and grandkids. Most of all, Roger loved his family who he served with an abundant and patient heart.
Roger is survived by his wife, Teresa, Lyons; Children: Jamen (Jackie) Benson, Lyons, Jennifer (Michael) Reecy, Dell Rapids, and Janelle (Andrew) Sikora, Spencer, IA; grandchildren: Trevor Benson, Brady Benson, Kiley Reecy, Lane Reecy, Luke Reecy, Paige Sikora, and Benson Sikora; siblings: Leila (Keith) Rehfeld, Hudson, WI, and Robert Benson, Colorado Springs, CO; mother-in-law, Lois Oppold, Sioux Falls; his brother and sister-in-laws along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his father-in-law, Bernard Oppold.
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