RAYMOND H. BENSON, "MARMADUKE" was born March 19, 1933 in Omaha, Nebraska to Harold E. and Mildred (Mayberry) Benson. He passed away Monday, January 26, 2009, at the Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha at the age of 75 years.

Following the death of  Ray’s mother of Tuberculosis in 1940, his father married Lillian Fisher. The family included Lillian’s daughter, Shirley Marie, Raymond and later brother, Harold E. Benson II.

Ray graduated from high school in Chula Vista, California, where he also attended college earning his BA Degree. Ray later went on to take more courses and specialty training.

Ray served in the U.S. Army, and spent his two years mostly stationed in Colorado. He was honorably discharged in October 1954.

Eventually, through his many wanderings, he became employed at Vickers in Omaha as a tool and dye man. He retired as a Manufacturing Engineer Manager in December 1991, after thirty-five year of service. This he was very proud of.

Ray and Joan Killion were married on August 3, 1991, in Omaha. Upon his retirement, they purchased an acreage in Tekamah. They traveled and enjoyed the birds and other wildlife on their property. 

Ray served as Mayor of Tekamah for four years. He felt a sense of accomplishment from the experience as well as many new found friends. He was also a member of the Tekamah Lions Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Shirley Marie.   

Survivors include his wife: Joan of Tekamah; daughters: Theresa (Bob) Rydalch of Gilbert, Arizona; Linda (David) Harpin of Omaha; sons: Michael (Pam) Benson of Omaha, Jay Gerken of Davenport, Iowa, Andy (Grace) Gerken of  Blair, Nebrska; 13 grandchildren; brother: Harold “Benny” (Cheryl) Benson of Omaha; brothers-in-law: Jim (Anna) Killion, Ray (Bert) Killion all of Omaha; sisters-in-law: June (Jack) Sexton of Visalia, California, Susan Crosby of Schuyler, Nebraska; many cousins and loving relatives.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, January 31, 2009, 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Tekamah. MIlitary Honors by VFW Bataan Post No. 3304 and American Legion LaFrenz Post No. 15.

PRIVATE FAMILY BURIAL: Westlawn Hillcrest Cemetery, Omaha, Nebraska

NO VISITATION Pelan Funeral Services Tekamah in charge of arrangements

MEMORIALS: Tekamah Lion Club and the Tekamah Library Foundation

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Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

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