Lester D. Benson, 81, Brookings, passed away Saturday, December 14, 2019 in Grand Forks, ND. Lester was born September 9, 1938 to DeWayne and Edith (Ugland) Benson. He attended school in Sioux Falls, SD and Lester joined the USMC on February 13, 1956. After his discharge February 13, 1958 he returned to Sioux Falls and worked for Gage Concrete until starting as a bricklayer. Lester was a bricklayer for over 40 years in Sioux Falls, SD retiring in 2000. They lived in Corona, SD until moving to Brookings in 2014. He was a member of the BAC Union Local #1 for over 50 years. Lester enjoyed playing cribbage and Skip-Bo, watching birds, and eating candy.

Lester is survived by his wife, Claudia; children, Clint (Tonya) Benson, Flandreau and their daughter, Ava; Jim (Roberta) Benson, Grand Forks, and their children, Riley and Cole; Steve Benson, St. James City, FL; Milton Benson, Palm Springs, CA and a sister, Maxine Alvarado, San Bernardino, CA. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberlye, parents and siblings, Lorna, Darlene, Erma, Ernest, Wayne and an infant brother, Milton.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Thursday, December 19, 2019 at the Brookings United Church of Christ, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be one hour preceding the service at the church.