September 14, 2006 at 7:35 a.m.
Benefit will go on as memorial to NB grad Johnathan Benson
Benefit will go on as memorial to NB grad Johnathan Benson
Johnathan Lee Benson, 21, a 2003 graduate of NBHS, died over the weekend from complications of injuries he suffered while serving in Iraq.
Benson was on his second tour of duty in Iraq June 17 when an IED exploded under his vehicle. He was left with severe injuries that forced the amputation of his left arm and leg, paralysis in his right leg, internal injuries and brain trauma.
Benson was being treated at Brooke Army Medical Center in Houston, Tx., where he had suffered two strokes as the result of his injuries.
It was the last stroke that led doctors to call the family to Benson’s bedside last Friday. His family, including his biological mom, Dawn Schubert, stepdad, adopted parents and aunt Vicki Peterson, were among those family members who arrived Saturday to say goodbye.
Peterson said, “it was good be able to say our goodbyes.”
The family held a prayer service at his side Saturday before giving permission to have Benson taken off life support. He was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m.
She said Benson’s family and friends returned to the ICU at the hospital Sunday, where a prayer service was held with hospital staff, who had many heartwarming things to say about the young man they had cared for since the end of June.
“It was nice, very touching,” Peterson said.
She said Benson’s adopted parents are handling funeral service arrangements for Benson. She has not heard that dates have been finalized, but the family suggested this Sunday or Monday, Sept. 17 or 18 for viewing and a funeral service in North Branch.
Peterson said the family realizes Johnathan has many loved ones who will want to say goodbye, so they are trying to coordinate possibly holding his service at Edelstein Auditorium at NBHS. Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch will be handling the arrangements. Interment will be at Fort Snelling in St. Paul. Peterson said following the interment, a reception may be held at a nearby American Legion.
A benefit planned for Sunday, Sept. 24 at the Forest Lake American Legion will still be held to offset travel expenses for the family. It will also benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and The Marine Corps League Dept. of Texas.
The benefit will continue as planned, Peterson said.
The event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. and include a social hour from 4 to 5 p.m., presentation of colors, dinner buffet from 5 to 6:30 p.m., music, raffles and a silent auction. Dinner tickets are $7 each.
People are encouraged to buy their tickets before the event. As an added incentive, attendees purchasing their tickets in advance will be entered into a special raffle drawing that evening.
Cards can also be sent to: Dawn Schubert, c/o Vicki and Doug Peterson, 8890 North Shore Tr., Forest Lake, MN. 55025.
Peterson said Benson touched many lives, and it was one of the last things his family told him in their prayers:
“We were all blessed from your childhood through with your laughter. We want you to know our thoughts and prayers will be with you forever. We love you. You are our hero.”
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