Johnathan Lee Benson was born in Fridley, Minn. on Nov. 13, 1984. He grew up on a rural North Branch farm as the youngest of the six Benson children. As he attended North Branch school, kindergarten through twelfth grade, he enjoyed participating in numerous sporting and drama activities. Johnathan was always known for his laughter and his infectious smile.

After graduating from North Branch High School in 2003, Johnathan was able to fulfill his life long dream of being in the military by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He excelled in every area of training and departed for his first tour of duty in Iraq on Sept. 11, 2004. A shrapnel injury led to Johnathanís first Purple Heart award. He fully recovered from that injury and was able to deploy to Iraq a second time with his unit in 2006.

On June 17, 2006, a few weeks away from the end of his second deployment, Johnathan was severely injured by a roadside bomb explosion. He was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas where he spent the next several weeks surrounded by family and friends. Johnathan showed great courage and fought valiantly, as he faced the seriousness of his injuries. He lived out the motto that ìOnce a Marine, Always a Marine.î Johnathan passed away at Brooke Army Medical Center on Sept. 9, 2006.

Johnathan Lee Benson is survived by his father and mother, Steven and Marjorie Benson, his brother Steve Benson and wife Kara, his sister Christine Bush and husband Keith, his sister Rebecca Dubois and husband Mitch, his brother David Benson and wife Michelle, his brother Jacob Benson, his grandparents Oliver and Loris Benson, several uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends. Johnathan is also survived by his biological father Scott Triden, his biological mother Dawn Schubert and her husband Fred, and her parents Don and Audrey Peterson.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006 at the North Branch High School with Rev. Frank Gomes and Rev. Tom Olson and Chaplain (Maj.) Darrin Powers officiating. Special speakers were Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Rep. Peter Nelson. Interment was in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Music was provided by aunts Pam Theline and Jeanne Fine, and Doug Beckwith.

Arrangement were with Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch.

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