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Oliver Benson of North Branch died, Friday, Feb. 18 at Fairview University Hospital at the age of 84.

Oliver was born October 30, 1926 in Branch Township to Enoch and Ulrica Benson. He graduated from North Branch High School in 1944, attended Northwestern Bible College and Trinity Bible College. On June 24, 1949 he married Loris Skovgaard at her family's home in Kost. They worked at a children's home in Nebraska for a couple years. In 1951 they moved back to the North Branch area, Oliver farmed and processed and delivered eggs. He then worked as an orderly at Chisago Lakes Hospital until his retirement in the mid 1990's. With his strong faith he was active in church activities, was church custodian for over 20 and a lay preacher. In his free time Oliver enjoyed fishing, gardening, bird feeding and watching, and puzzles.

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law Kevin Theline; three grandchildren Chandra, Maddy, Johnathan, and brother-in-law Hubert Hutto.

He is survived by his wife Loris; four sons Steven (Marjorie) of North Branch, Randy (Pam) of Kelowna, BC., Joel (Linda) of Appleton, WI., Dwight (Barb) of North Branch; two daughters Pam (the late Kevin) Theline of Grasston, Jeanne (Scott) Fine of Park City, UT.; 19 grandchildren, 20 (and one anticipated) great-grandchildren; sisters Leone Hutto of Florida, Bonita (Lloyd) Davis of Chisago City, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were Wednesday, Feb. 23 at Kost Ev. Free Church. Interment in the Kost Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.grandstrandfh.com.

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