Glen Benson

Glen W. Benson, 87, Fargo, ND, died Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at Innovis Health, Fargo, ND. Glen Benson was born March 24, 1921, at Minot, ND, son of Phillip T. and Emelie (Rongstad) Benson. He joined the National Guard in 1938, and was on active duty until 1946. During World War II, he was Captain serving in all campaigns in Europe as a Staff Officer in General Patton’s Third Army. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal and five European Campaign Medals. Glen graduated from Minot High School in 1939. He attended the University of North Dakota, the University of Wisconsin, and graduated from Army Officer’s School. Glen was married to Doris Mae Hougen of Minot, from 1943 to 1977. He married Thelma Oswald Palda in Minot, on April 9, 1977. He married Bernice Fercho in July, 1991. Glen retired as a Vice President with Lutheran Hospitals and Homes Society of America, Fargo. Prior to coming to Fargo, he was Executive Vice President of Trinity Medical Center in Minot. He served as President of the Minot Chamber of Commerce 1960; Ward County Red Cross Chairman 1958-1960; President of Minot Lions Club 1969-1970 and Deputy District Governor of the Lions 1972-1973. He was a past President and Board Chairman of North Dakota Hospital Financial Management Association; past Treasurer of North Dakota Lutheran Welfare Society; Federal Credit Union President; and President of Medical Center Pension Trust Fund. He served as an Examiner for the American College of Hospital Administrators and was a National Instructor for the American Hospital Association conducting Medicare Institutes. He was a contributing author for Hospital Health Service, Chicago. Glen was survived by a daughter, Patricia Strom, Sacramento, CA; a stepdaughter, Charlotte (Tim) Engleson, Eureka, MT; two stepsons, Jerre (Karen) Fercho, Kokomo, IN; Wayne (Sandy) Fercho, Canton, MI; and a stepdaughter, Linda (Kevin) Kennedy, Bashor, KS; granddaughter, Christine (Greg) Gonthier, Wilmington, NC; step-grandchildren, Katie and Claire Engelson, Eureka, MT; Jessica Fercho, Kalamazoo, MI; Kristin Fercho, Kokomo, IN; Christopher (Sarah) Kennedy, Olathe, KS; Justin Kennedy, New York, NY; Todd Fercho, Nashua, NH; Justin (Amy) Wainwright, Belleville, MI; and two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Samuel Gonthier. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Thelma and Bernice; his son, Brian; sister, Emily Grandrud; and brother, Melvin Benson. Memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society – 4646 Amber Valley Pkwy S. Fargo, ND 58104 Funeral: Friday, April 4, 2008, at 2:00 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo ND. Visitation: Thursday, April 3, 2008 from 5 – 7PM at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Entombment: Riverside Mausoleum, Fargo, ND.