Garry C. Benson

NORFOLK – A Celebration of life service for Garry C. Benson, 87, of Norfolk formerly of Niobrara will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Officiating the service will be Pastor Mike Moreno. Service will be live-streamed on Stonacek Funeral Chapel Website at https://www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/garry-benson/#!/PhotosVideos. Burial will take place at the Niobrara Riverview Cemetery, rural Niobrara. Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 6:00 PM, Friday, October 31, 2025 at Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Norfolk. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 16, V.F.W. Post 1644, and the United States Army Honor Guard. Garry passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025 in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Garry Calvin was born on January 15, 1938, in Niobrara, NE, to Victor and Dorothy (Darnell) Benson. He was baptized on June 1, 1938, and confirmed on May 4,1953, at Niobrara Lutheran Church. He attended school in Niobrara through high school. From 1961-1963, he served his country in the U.S. Army with pride and honor. His adventures began with basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was shipped over to Nellingen Kaswern Military Base in Germany, and then Libya, South Africa where his expertise as a heavy equipment machinery operator was requested. On September 5, 1965, Garry married LaVaine (Rakowsky) at St. John Lutheran Church in Yankton, SD, and together they raised their 3 children in Norfolk. In his early years, he owned and operated Kohler’s Service Station, located on the corner of 13th Street and Pasewalk Ave. He also worked for Missouri Valley Company (where he worked on a stretch of Interstate 80 during its construction), Theisen Bros, Sherwood Medical, then for many years to follow with Porter Construction as a heavy equipment operator until he retired in 2009. Garry was taught from a very young age how to hunt and fish from his uncles,’ Bush’ and Engvald, and loved the beautiful land that surrounded Niobrara. Much time was spent along the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers boating, fishing, hunting, and camping. Garry and LaVaine would love to take off and travel, most typically to Las Vegas and Phoenix areas, once even ‘cruising’ down the Missouri River, camping on the sand bars all the way to St. Joe, Missouri. Being very family-oriented, Garry and his sister, Betty grew up very close-knit and, following disillusioned marriages, the two resided together for many years sharing a special bond and good company for one another. Garry had a knack for being quick-witted and found much enjoyment playing shenanigans on others. He had the gift of gab and story-telling; this made for many friends along his journey in life. Those missing him are his children, Gina; Joel (Alice); and Jane (Bruce) Mertens; 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren (one bearing his middle name, Calvin), and 3 great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, brother-in law, and many friends. Welcoming him to his heavenly home were his loving parents, sister and best friend, Betty Stoural, nephew Bradley Stoural, great-nephew Marcus Bradley Kamrath, great-grandson Joseph Benson in infancy, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Condolences can be expressed to the family online at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Garry C. Benson

January 15, 1938 - October 5, 2025