Steve was the first born of proud parents Millie and Sherman Benson. Making his entry on March 26, 1948, in Duluth, MN he was a lifelong Cook County resident. Steve shares the nickname of his maternal grandfather, while his friends all knew him as “Benny.”

He graduated from Cook County High School in 1966. Along with several classmates, he headed to Bemidji State College, graduating in 1971 with a BS in American history. He always enjoyed learning about people and past events. He especially enjoyed reading area history by local authors.

His 2nd year in college, Steve met the love of his life, Yvonne Person. They married in 1976 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Together they built their home on Devil’s Track Lake. It was the perfect spot for them to enjoy snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and pontoon rides on the lake. They carefully tended their land and enjoyed watching their neighboring

Bemidji State College, graduating in always enjoyed learning about enjoyed reading area history by love of his life, Yvonne Person. Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Devil’s Track Lake. It was the snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and pontoon their land and enjoyed watching noted the ice out date on the lake, in the family business, Midway both building and fixing. One of

powered bicycle. A favorite was his bird hunting and exploring the bring joy to his nephew and was as the Assessor for Cook

Buck to manage Midway for their Benson. They transitioned the sporting

Midway Service. Always a perfectionist, well when he became a carpenter. was hired by his good friend and commercial building in the

came early for Steve. Determined to

him outdoors and always ready to riser, Steve, could be found with

around town. His well-organized knack with them. He created a

Lodge and was a member of the

riders and the CC ATV club. Until Grand Marais Fire Department. his mother-in-law Ruby Anderson, Yvonne, brother Buck Benson and Roger (Kathy) Person, sistersin- wildlife. Each year he noted the ice out date on the lake, a tradition now entrusted to neighbors.

Most of his younger years were spent in the family business, Midway Service. Steve had a passion for engines, both building and fixing. One of his most unique creations was a fan powered bicycle. A favorite was his 1947 green International truck, perfect for bird hunting and exploring the backwoods. The “Binder” continues to bring joy to his nephew and family.

After college, his first permanent job was as the Assessor for Cook County. In 1978 he joined his brother Buck to manage Midway for their father Sherman and Uncle Harold Benson. They transitioned the sporting goods business to include hardware.

A fire in 1988 brought the end of Midway Service. Always a perfectionist, his attention to detail served him well when he became a carpenter. He worked with Fred Anderson until he was hired by his good friend Glenn Peterson. They built many houses and commercial building in the county.

After a 2nd heart attack, retirement came early for Steve. Determined to enjoy life, his daily 4-mile walks kept him outdoors and always ready to visit with neighbors. An early morning riser, Steve, could be found with his coffee buddies in various spots around town. His well-organized garage provided him with endless hours for projects.

Kids just loved Steve; he had a special knack with them. He created a special bond with his nieces and nephews.

He belonged to the local Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Lion’s Club, the Cook County Ridge riders and the CC ATV club. Until his retirement, he as a volunteer at the Grand Marais Fire Department.

Preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law Ruby Anderson, Steve is survived by his wife Yvonne, brother Buck Benson and sister Tracy Benson (Pete), brother-in-law Roger (Kathy) Person, sistersin- law Linda (Brian) Walker, and Sharon (Bob) Carlson as well as several nieces and nephews and their families.

Steve died April 24th, 2025 in the Essential Hospital in Duluth, Mn.

Our family invites you to a celebration of life for Steve Benson, which will be held on Sunday, May 18th, at 12:30 p.m. at the Hub (senior center) at 10 Broadway Ave, in Grand Marais. A lunch will follow the celebration.