Fred Dale Benson (Papa Fred) passed away December 23, 2020, at his home.
Fred was born November 15, 1929, in Deer Lodge, Montana, to John and Ester Benson. He attended grade school in Avon and high school in Deer Lodge.
When he was 14 years old his parents were killed in a tragic accident. He quit school when he was a freshman in high school so he could help with running the family ranch.
Fred married Dorothy Eliason on November 20,1949. They resided on the ranch in Avon for several years. In 1954 he was drafted into the army and served for a few years. While in Avon they had several dairy cows which had to be milked early in the morning and then in the evening. In between the milking times all the other ranching work had to be done. The milk was sold to the creamery in Deer Lodge for many years. After the ranch in Deer Lodge was purchased, Fred and Dot moved and continued to live and ranch there.
Fred and Dot were not blessed with having their own children but while living in both Avon and Deer Lodge they helped raise many kids. There were always one or more kids living with them. All the kids wanted to go stay with Papa Fred and Grandma Dot.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ester Benson, sister Betty and brother Cliff. He is survived by his brother Bruce and sister-in-law Pauline, his sister Eva Browning, his sister-in-law, Helen Ring and his sister-in-law Sharon and brother-in-law Joe Applegate. He also has many nieces and nephews that he loved.
Graveside service will be held December 30, 2020, at the Avon Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers memorials are appreciated and can be made to the Avon Cemetery, the Avon Community Club or the Community of Christ Church in Deer Lodge.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Fred.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Fred and his family.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 PM
Wednesday December 30, 2020
The Avon Cemetery
Old Avon Rd
Avon, Montana 59713
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 PM
Wednesday December 30, 2020
The Avon Cemetery
Old Avon Rd
Avon, Montana 59713
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Alira Danaher says
Fred, our next door neighbor came by every day to have coffee and chat with my Grandpa Allen P. Johnson. He always teased me a called me Zelda. I always looked forward to his visits. I will miss him.