Leonard D. Benson

Monday, January 9, 2017 6:08 pm

Leonard D. Benson, 73, of New Hampton, passed away Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at his home. Memorial services are at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton, with Father Brian Dellaert officiating. Visitation is from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton. Memorials may be directed to Leonard’s family. Online condolences for Leonard’s family may be left at conway-markhamfh.com.

Leonard David Benson was born Sept. 25, 1943, to Leonard Basil and Betty Eileen (Roach) Benson in Mason City. He attended school in Mason City and graduated from Mason City High School in 1961. Leonard worked at various jobs before owning and operating his own sanitation service called L&M sanitation in Rockwell. Leonard later held several positions during his travels around the country. He moved to the New Hampton area where he was the high school janitor for several years. Leonard also was employed at Winnebago Industries in Charles City and TriMark in New Hampton. Leonard enjoyed working on cars and could fix anything. He liked fishing, but more than anything he took pride in helping others. He could be heard saying, “Can’t never did anything, don’t be afraid to try.”

Leonard is survived by his children: Carlen Lewis of Hickory, N.C., Kelly (Michele) Hert of Clear Lake, Mindy Myers of Decorah, Lyn (Kathryn) Benson of Kansas City, Mo. and Megan McLaughlin of Waterloo; grandchildren: Amber, Ashlee, Uriah, Ian, Jordana, Ayden, Nathaniel, Mason and Emily; brother, Kenneth (Mary Rose) Benson of Mason City; sister, Mary (Bob) Johnson of Orange, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Betty Benson; and two brothers, Larry and Bernie Jo.