Robert L. Benson Obituary (1944

Robert L. Benson, 76, of Mount Pulaski, Illinois, died 11/30/20 at his home in Mt. Pulaski, following a brief illness. Robert was born October 9, 1944 in Fremont, Nebraska to Robert Leroy and Mildred Ruth Benson. He married Robin Sellers on April 3, 1993 who survives him. He received his elementary school education in a one room country school in Saunders County, Nebraska and then graduated from Cedar Bluffs High School in 1962. He attended Bob Jones University for two years before being drafted into the Army where he served two tours of duty in Vietnam. After the Army he completed his college education, graduating with a BA degree in Secondary Education. In 1976 he joined the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, working for 16 years in the engineering department and as an assistant operator on the Rail Test Car. In 1990 he accepted a position as Senior Rail Engineer with the Bureau of Railroads, Illinois Department of Transportation, retiring in 2014. He resided in Mt. Pulaski since 1994. Bob is survived by his daughters Jennifer Benson (Colorado) and Kari Conroy (Joseph) Maryland, son Thomas Benson (Nebraska), sister Leora Briggs (Frank) Oklahoma, nephew Anthony Briggs (Oklahoma), two step sons: Bryan Pepper (JoAnne) Illinois; Jeffrey Pepper (California), 3 grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death. Bob was a member of Ryman Fuiten American Legion Post # 447, Rochester Post VFW and the Mt. Pulaski Christian Church. Bob enjoyed fishing and was an avid hunter. A military/memorial service is planned for the spring Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Mt. Pulaski is entrusted with the services.