Vernon A. “Butch” Benson passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, at the age of 86. Butch was born on August 28, 1938, in Nadau, Michigan. He was one of 14 siblings; he was number 14 which was the youngest.

Butch served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950’s – 1960’s, he spent just over 13 months in Korea. There he was an MP on a missile base. He originally wanted to be a paratrooper with the 82^nd Airborne Division, but after 8 jumps he couldn’t anymore because of his hearing. He served as a mail clerk in Florida before being sent to Korea where he had several friends stationed, whom are all gone now.

After his service Butch moved to Milwaukee and met some old friends from the North and went to work for the A. O. Smith Corporation and Tower Automotive until the companies started to cut back. Butch then moved to Hartford, WI.  Once in Hartford, he dove a truck for Time Trucking.

Butch met his wife, Mary in Milwaukee in 1970 and were married February 26, 1972.

In 2006 Butch and Mary moved to La Crosse and he drove for Straight Shot Trucking. When Butch finally stopped working, he golfed. He enjoyed traveling (mostly in the states), he loved woodworking, horse pulling shows but most of all he loved having fun.

Butch is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary, one brother, two sisters, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 06, 2025, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street Onalaska with Kristin Van Heningen officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Military honors will follow.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.