Andrew Philip Benson

Andrew Philip Benson

April 14, 1937-November 27,2022

Litchfield, Minnesota

Andrew Philip Benson

Age 85 of Litchfield passed away at his home on November 27, 2022 surrounded by his family.  Phil was born in 1937 in Litchfield, MN to Rudolph and Evelyn Benson.  He had four siblings Vernon, Harold, Bea and Connie.  They grew up on the family farm where he learned how to care for the land and livestock.  He graduated from Litchfield High School in 1955.  He then entered the National Guard before his honorable discharge due to medical reasons two years later.  Phil was united in marriage to Barbara Hopkins September 6, 1969.  They continued to live on the family farm where they raised their children David and Cheryl.

Phil was baptized and confirmed at Beckville Lutheran Church.  Phil had a deep faith which he shared with his family and friends.  He remained a lifelong member of Beckville where he continued to serve the Lord serving on the church council and assisting with church activities over the years. 

Phil was a farmer from the time of his discharge from the National Guard until he retired from farming in 1985.  He then worked for two seasons at Green Giant before finding his new venture working for Hutchinson Technology, Inc.  He remained at HTI from 1987-2007 when he retired to spend more time with his treasured grandchildren. 

Phil’s favorite past times included fishing, gardening, tending to animals and most importantly spending time with family.  Phil used to love fishing with his cane pole and showed his children how to catch the “big” ones the old-fashioned way.  Phil was an excellent gardener and could grow just about anything.  He was often found outside on the farm sitting with his dogs and cats.  Animal lover puts it mildly as his pets would surround him wherever he was.  He had a quiet way about him and said he was a far better listener than talker.  Animals and people gravitated toward his kindness. 

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Evelyn and his brothers, Harold and Vernon and infant daughter, Robin.

Phil is survived by his wife, Barb Benson of Litchfield; children, David Benson of Litchfield, Cheryl (Dustin) Johanneck of Litchfield; grandchildren, River Benson, Alexia and Abygail Johanneck of Litchfield.

‘He never looked for praises.  He was never one to boast.  He just went on quietly working, for the ones he loved the most.  His dreams were seldom spoken.  His wants were very few.  And most of the time his worries went unspoken too.  He was there…. A firm foundation, through all our storms of life.  A sturdy hand to hold on to in times of stress and strife.  A true friend we could turn to when times were good or bad.  One of our greatest blessings, The man that we called Husband/Dad/Grandpa.’

The family would like to thank Ecumen Hospice for their special care and attention, especially Jill Johnson for her caring attitude and attention to detail during his final days.

A celebration of life will be held June 8^th, 2023 at 4pm at Beckville Lutheran Church.