Obituaries : Michael Lee “Mike” Benson

Michael Lee “Mike” Benson, age 70, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his Urbana home with his loving family by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6^th Street) in Vinton, with Halane Cummings officiating.  Private family interment will be held at Urbana Memorial Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 PM, Wednesday, also at the Funeral Home.  A Memorial fund has been established.

Mike was born on August 23, 1955, in Cedar Rapids, to Lloyd L. and Marylen (Chesmore) Benson.  He graduated from Urbana High School with the class of 1973.  On June 29, 1974, he was united in marriage to Susan Felker at the Urbana Christian Church.  Mike worked for Benton County Secondary Roads as a machine operator for 39 years, retiring in 2020.  He also founded Benson Security which he operated for 42 years.

Mike loved his community and lived a life of service to others.  He was a member of the Urbana Ambulance Service for 35 years, and the director for 10 years; The Urbana Volunteer Fire Department for 26 years; Urbana City Council for 10 years; Police Chief for a short time and a Reserve Officer for 25 years.  Mike, his father Lloyd and twin brother Gary volunteered their time to finish the interior of the Ambulance shed and the Police Department when the community was low on funds.  He also found time to volunteer delivering Meals on Wheels to area residents.  Mike and Susan had a cabin on the Cedar River, where he dearly loved spending time with family and friends.  His grandsons were his pride and joy.  He was well known for his sense of humor and never missed a chance to tease his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Susan; 3 daughters, Tracy Beauregard of Central City, Amy Benson, and Kari (Josh) Burkhart, all of Urbana; 7 grandsons, Dakota Benson, Lane Benson, Landon Wood, Brayden Beauregard, Cameron, Hudson, and Henry Burkhart; twin brother Gary (Bobbie) Benson of Urbana; sister, Deb (David) Claus of Crystal Falls, MI; sister-in-law, Denise Benson of Marion; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his 4-legged buddy Max.

Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents, Lloyd and Marylen; brother, Dan Benson; and his son-in-law Scott Beauregard. 

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com