Rodney Benson

Oh my good friend, so sad to hear of your passing so unexpectedly. So many fond memories of the days gone by. Rod came to Cambridge High School our Junior year from Robbinsdale, MN via Morgantown, WV. I can safely say he influenced all of our class in one way or another with his sense of humor. He & I became close friends early that school year, he got me into wrestling because I stunk at basketball. We faithfully wore our green “grappling sweaters” to school on match days. We had great times together enjoying the music of our era particularly the Beatles. Rod was an aviation buff and we built numerous model airplanes together. Rod’s influence was why I chose an aviation rate when I joined the Navy upon graduation. We also shared a corny affinity for the Batman TV show and talked on the phone after each episode. Crazy to think how silly it was now, but seemed important at the time. We made numerous trips to Madison together and with dates to see concerts and movies and sometimes to just wander aimlessly down State Street. We played a lot of pranks too but that’s our secret. Rod aspired to be a writer, he was very much into Ian Fleming’s James Bond (weren’t we all?). We went our separate ways after graduation but he and Bonnie attending my wedding in 1980. We reconnected after he moved back to Madison from Indiana a few years ago. We got together occasionally for lunch to talk about what else? Military aviation and music! During one visit for lunch in Madison we’re sitting at the table having a beer. Rod pulls a piece of fabric out of his pocket, passes it across the table and says “You remember this?” It was the small flag of the “Duchy of Fenwick” he carried on a pole during the school play “The Mouse That Roared”. our Senior year. I was blown away by the fact he’d kept it all those years. Rod just gave me a Cheshire Cat grin putting it back in his pocket. In 2015 we met at the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola, FL and had a great day, he conveyed more information than I could have ever absorbed. We had dinner following the museum visit and talked about planes like two young boys. He was to the end a music lover and had an extensive album collection much of which he had digitized. He was extremely knowledgeable on the subject of military aviation. I told him a few years ago “You may not think it important now but you were a highly regarded member of our class despite only being with us two years. You brought a refreshing change to our seemingly dull existence. You’d lived in other places and learned many things. We picked up on that and grew as a result.” To which he replied, “You must have me confused with someone else. “You were (and are) the friend I needed those years, especially our senior year. Thanks for everything.” That meant a lot to me and still resonates today. As was my custom, I hugged him every time I saw him. There is now a hole in my heart. Rest in Peace My Brother. Lee Kampstad

Hi Bonnie, Please accept my love and affection, and great sympathy for the loss you are now experiencing. I am deeply moved by the beautiful obituary that you have written, as it gives a glimpse of the wonderful life that you and Rod had together. The two of you shared a wonderful journey through life, and the rich memories that you have shared here do bring consolation to the heart. I only knew you two for a few years in Madison, as you graciously put up with me as Joan's younger brother. I also still have vivid memories of a long weekend spent with you guys in Covington around 1975, on my way up to Wisconsin from South Carolina. It was so nice just to hang out with "good people." You and Rod are both in my fondest of thoughts and prayers. Much love, Don

Bonnie, the warm smile of Rodney caught my eye in the paper this morning and I followed the link here to see the beautiful memories that you have written. What an amazing man you described! And a wonderful relationship that you shared. The two of you are in my thoughts - picturing you on trips and enjoying a pint, fully experiencing life and friends and each other. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sarah Flanagan

Hi Bonnie, I'm a complete stranger to you and your husband. I do a lot of grief and loss work, so often find myself reading the obituaries. I started to read Rodney's, and was so moved by it. You did such a nice job honoring him with your words. I'm sorry you are so sad right now, but hope you eventually find joy in the fact that you had so many wonderful times together. You are in my thoughts, Janine

Bonnie, I cannot begin to express the sorrow I feel at this time for you. I would like to encourage you to reach out and let those that love you help you through the process of living life without Rodney. I hope you find the inner strength to make the best of every day, cherish your memories and to share as many of those memories as you can. You will be in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Kristi Painter Flury