April 8, 1928-April 25, 2007
Former Pelican Rapids resident Alvin H. Benck, 79, of Audubon, died Wednesday, April 25 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo.
Alvin Harold Benck was born to Arthur and Hilda (Schanning) Benck on April 8, 1928 near Canby, Minn. He was baptized and confirmed at Zachereus American Lutheran Church near Canby. Alvin attended Canby schools and worked with his father at Benck Implement in Canby. He served with the U.S. Air Force, 1951-53, seeing duty in Germany.
Following his discharge, Alvin attended diesel mechanic school in Minneapolis, and subsequently worked as a mechanic in Minneapolis and for St. Paul International Harvester in St. Paul, then operated repair shops in Bloomington, Prior Lake, Fergus Falls and Gerhard, Minn., prior to owning A&B Transmission in Pelican Rapids.
Alvin married Helmi Vinson on July 11, 1955 in Canby. She died in 1963. Alvin retired in 2005, and moved to rural Audubon in March 2007.
ADVERTISEMENT
Alvin was a member of American Legion Post 17 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5252, both in Pelican Rapids, and the Disabled American Veterans. He shared and gave of himself freely, and had accomplished much in his life.
Among his accomplishments was the family he claimed as his own: sons, Wade, Lanny, and Larry; and daughter, Bonnie. Of his greatest accomplishments and loves of his life were his grandchildren, Billy and Landon.
Alvin is survived by a step-daughter, Elisa Vinson; extended family, Wade and Bonnie Erickson, Lenny Erickson and Lanny Erickson; two grandchildren; one sister, Arlys (Roger) Swenson of Dawson, Minn.; and friend, Bernice Johnson.
In addition to his wife, Helmi, Alvin was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald.
Friends may call between 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes. Funeral services are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in the funeral home, with the Rev. H. Wade Dutton officiating. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, St. Paul. The David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family.
