Neil E. Bengtson

Neil E. Bengtson, Jr., age 88, of Marshall, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2015, at his winter home in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial Services are 11:00 AM Saturday, April 18, 2015, at Albright United Methodist Church in Marshall. Following a luncheon, interment will be in the Marshall City Cemetery at 2:30 PM. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall with a Masonic Service at 7:00 PM and prayer service to follow. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, on Saturday at the church.
Clergy Officiating: Rev. Mark Winther & Rev. Lynn Kollath
Organist: Rennae Peterson
Congregational Hymn: “Surely The Presence Of The Lord,” “Victory in Jesus,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” “For All The Saints,” “When We All Get To Heaven”
Special Music: Paul & Lanae Bengtson ~ “Face to Face,” “Because He Lives”
Honorary Urn Bearers: Roy Truax, Warren Snyder, Roger Dale, Lloyd Petersen, Dennis Schroeder, Lon Moon
Active Urn Bearers: Neil’s grandchildren

Neil E. Bengtson, Jr., was born on October 4, 1926, on the family farm in Clifton Township, Lyon County, Minnesota. He was the son of N. E. “Ed,” Sr., and Genevieve (Swanson) Bengtson. Neil was baptized in the Bethel Evangelical Church in Clifton Township. He attended country school, district #28, and graduated from Marshall High School with the class of 1944. Neil would spend his entire life living on that century farm.

On March 7, 1964, Neil was married to Ardis Lorraine Becker at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Farmington, Minnesota. The couple lived on the family farm and where they worked and were blessed with 3 children: Karla, Timothy, and Paul. The couple shared over 50 years of marriage.

Farming was Neil’s passion. He raised corn, beans, hogs, and feeder cattle. His other enjoyments in life included hunting, fishing, camping, and playing cards. He enjoyed all sports and was a faithful fan to many teams. He was a proud member of the Masonic Fraternity for 67 years. He was actively involved in Delta Lodge 119 in Marshall, serving Blue Lodge, Council, Chapter, Commandery, Shrine, and Associate Guardian of Job’s Daughters. Neil was Right Eminent Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the State of Minnesota for 2 years, life member of many of the appendant bodies, and past patron of the Order Of The Eastern Star. Neil served as Lay Speaker of the United Methodist Church, taught Sunday School, and held many offices within the church. He was also a board member of Decision Hill Camp for many years.

Neil entered his heavenly home on January 8, 2015 at the age of 88 years 3 months and 4 days. Blessed be his memory.

Neil is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ardis Bengtson of Marshall, MN; children, Karla (Andrew) Hultgren of St. Cloud, MN, Timothy (Tina) Bengtson of Slayton, MN, Paul (Lanae) Bengtson of Chicago, IL; 8 grandchildren, Tyler (Natalie), Madison, and Jackson Hultgren, Logan and Eden Bengtson, Walker, Sawyer, and Parker Bengtson; sister, Sonja (Roger) Trooien of Balaton, MN; nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.

Neil is preceded in death by his parents, N. E. “Ed,” Sr., and Genevieve Bengtson; and sister, Naomi Caugherty.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor’s choice.