Irvin Benson, age 82 of Monroe, WI, formerly of the Monticello, WI, and Argyle, WI, areas passed away August 10, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born June 18, 1927 in Darlington, WI, the son of Maurice and Margaret (Hess) Benson. Irvin attended rural school of Gratiot and South Wayne. He was united in marriage to Barbara Paulson on August 27, 1949 at Methodist Partridge in Darlington. Irvin farmed in the Lamont and Argyle areas until 1984, when he moved to the Monticello area, later moving to Monroe in 2004.

Irvin is survived by his wife: Barbara; four daughters: Sheryl (Larry) Klemm of Browntown, WI, Kathy Benson of Monroe, WI, Denita (Dan) O'Brien of Baraboo, WI, and Julie (Tony) Jordon of McConnell, IL; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers: Larry (Ardith) Benson of Frenchlick, IN, and Richard (Rhonda) Benson of Madison, WI; and one sister: Darlene "Sally" (Eldon) Grossen of Monticello, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons: Lee Allen Benson in 1953, and Michael Benson in 2006; three brothers: Maurice Jr. in 1951, Gerald in 1968, and Robert in 2006; and one sister: Lillian Williams in 2007.

Irvin was a member of Apple Grove Lutheran Church. He served in the US Army during World War II in 1945. Irvin loved to work in the garden, Northern Wisconsin fishing and grouse hunting, and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Apple Grove Lutheran Church, 4501 Apple Grove Church Road in Argyle, WI. Burial will be in Apple Grove Lutheran Church Cemetery. A visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2009 at Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Irvin's name.