Cornel R. Benson

Cornel R. Benson, 89, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born on November 7, 1935, at Stambaugh General Hospital in Stambaugh, MI, the son of the late Norman and Betty (Lindeman) Benson. He was the fifth of seven children. He attended the Bates and Iron River Schools, graduating from Iron River High School with the class of 1956. Cornel married classmate Pauline Brunamonti on December 12, 1955, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River. They resided in Bates Township on Reiman Road for the past 60 plus years and celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in 2024. He started farming as a youngster and then transitioned to underground mining. He later moved to logging with his son and grandsons. Cornel was a member of the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association and the Michigan Association of Timbermen. He was an avid basketball and baseball player and was recruited by many Michigan and Wisconsin teams. He was known for his left-handed hook shot and his stellar plays at 3rd base and always reminded us by holding his hands up and jokingly saying “these are the hands that made Bates famous”. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren playing sports. He also enjoyed hunting. He was an avid Detroit Lions and Tigers fan and Wykon supporter. Cornel is survived by his wife, Pauline; son, Ted (Patti) Benson of Iron River; daughter, Peggy (Ron) Shamion of Iron River; sisters, Carol Erickson and Avie Powell of Iron River and Anncille (Bob) Engel of Oconto Falls, WI; grandchildren, Nikki (DJ) Hebert, Tommy Whear, Josh (Alicia) Benson, Kylee Benson, and Tyge (Lisa) Benson; great-grandchildren, Izzy, Emery, Christopher, Kyler, Reese, Tucker, Quinn, Rowan, and Teal; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Preceding Cornel in death were his son, Tommy Benson; brothers, Chester Benson and infant Norman; sisters, Jean Lindbeck and Mona Sarder; brothers-in-law, Lindy Lindbeck, Don Sarder, Ron Powell, and Keith Erickson; and sister-in-law, Ginny Benson. A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Grace Covenant Church in Iron River. A funeral service will follow at 2pm with Pastor Mike Poindexter to officiate. Interment will be in Bates Township Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Cornel R. Benson, please visit our flower store.