Dean Benson

Robert Dean Benson, 70, of Sigourney, died at his home on November 19, 2011.He was born August 25, 1941 near Delta, Iowa to Harvey Robert and Loretta Agnes Cheney Benson. He graduated from Delta High School in 1959. On November 9, 1960 he married Carol Ann Moore at the Delta Methodist Church. They lived and farmed near Delta. He raised, showed and broke Quarter horses. It was his love and passion. He was employed at Apco, S& S Shoes, Jefferson Savings and Loan in Sigourney, FHA in Oskaloosa, the Bussey Bank and First Resources.
He attended the Delta Methodist Church and was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and many Quarter Horse Futurities including winning the State Weanling and Yearling Futurity two consecutive years.
Dean was one of four guys that started the 4-H Horse and Pony Division and continued to be a leader for 25 years at the Keokuk County Fair and Expo. He was an officer of the What Cheer Saddle Club for 30 years and also a member of the Sigourney Saddle Club.
Among his community activities he was President of Marion County Bankers Assn, board member of Sigourney Area Development, the Keokuk County Extension Council, President of Sigourney Chamber of Commerce and a member of SEIDA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Leatrice Benson, sister Kathleen Benson and grandson Wade Benson.
He is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Annette (Ray) Clarahan of Sigourney, son Bob (Sara) Benson of Hedrick, three grandchildren Nathan (Penny) Clarahan, Rylan (Brittney) Clarahan, and Ashton Benson, three great grandchildren Cole, Kale and Brynn Clarahan, two sisters Shirley Burnett, and Lori (Dan) Taghon both of Sigourney, two brothers George (JoAnn) Benson of Richland, Dave (Vicki) Benson of Sigourney, two step-brothers Dan (Cindy) Abell of Oskaloosa, Randy (Donna) Abell of Eagleville, Missouri, two step-sisters Cathy (Dan) Tolly of Oskaloosa, Becky (Larry) Netten of Keota.

Funeral Service: Tuesday 10:30 a.m. at the Delta Methodist Church
Visitation: After 4:00 p.m. Monday at the Holm Funeral Home
Burial: Garrett Cemetery, Delta, Iowa
A memorial fund has been established.