No headline

Darrell Allen Benson, 86

Darrell Allen Benson, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, died of natural causes just after midnight on the morning of Friday, April 28, 2017.

Darrell was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on Aug. 19, 1930, the son of the late Merle Pecor and Florence (Kamradt) Pecor. Darrell lost his father in 1935, and was later adopted and raised by his devoted stepfather, the late Russell Phillip Benson.

Darrell enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951, and served his country honorably until 1955. While stationed in Norfolk, Va., he met his future wife, Ellen Jeanette Davis, and they were married in 1954. Darrell and Jeanette enjoyed 42 years of marriage together until Jeanette’s death in 1996.

Upon his return to civilian life, Darrell enrolled in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University, from which he graduated in 1960. Darrell applied his education to the management of federal tree nurseries and seed laboratories in several locations around the country. His last assignment was as superintendent of the Coeur d’Alene Nursery, from which he retired in 1986. Darrell enjoyed the camaraderie of the Forest Service, and made and retained a large number of friends throughout his career and retirement.

Darrell enjoyed hunting and fishing, tending to his home, yard and garden, and his dogs. He freely and enthusiastically shared his interests and activities with his friends and loving family.

Darrell was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Sally Giordana and her husband James; and his wife, Jeanette. He is survived by his children: including sons Scott and his wife Elizabeth Gallie, and Kurt and his wife Christina Bauer; and daughter Beth Benson; nieces Jill Harrison and Lisa Giordana, and nephew Patrick Giordana, and their respective spouses and children.

The family would like to offer their sincere appreciation to the caregiving staff at both Kootenai Health, and Hospice House of North Idaho.

A memorial observance is not planned at this time. English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Darrell’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.

Remembrances may be made to the Darrell and Jeanette Benson Memorial Fund, for the collections of the Hayden Public Library by either mailing to the Community Library Network, 821 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, ID 83854, Attn. Business Manager, or by phone at (208) 773-1506.