Graveside memorial service with full military honors for MSG (Retired) Gunnar W. Benson will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025 at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma.

Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

MSG (Retired) Gunnar William "Bill" Benson, 92, of Lawton, Oklahoma, took his final earthly breath on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Lawton. Heaven welcomed a remarkable man-one known for his integrity, strong moral compass, honesty, and unwavering character. He was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father and grandfather, and a friend to all who knew him.

Bill was born on December 25, 1932, in Onamia, Minnesota, to Gunnar Benson and Dora May (Wood) Benson. He was the eldest of nine children, and together the family worked hard on their farm in Onamia. Bill graduated from Onamia High School in 1950 and began his dedicated service to his country in the United States Army on May 5, 1953.

He was married to Hannelore "Honey" Hildegarde Kurtze in Darmstadt, Germany, from December 1956 to 1961. From this union came one daughter, Carmen Hannelore (Benson) Toegel. He later married Edith Doscher in May 2004 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Edith preceded him in death on January 23, 2025.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Bill was stationed at various locations in the U.S. and Germany, serving in the 28th Infantry and Artillery. He was a proud Vietnam veteran, serving from 1968 to 1969, and earned numerous medals and commendations for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal. Bill retired from the Army on May 31, 1973, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Following his military retirement, Bill embarked on a second career in construction, working with Bud Mowry and later joining Lippert Brothers Construction in Oklahoma City, where he eventually retired again.

In retirement, Bill enjoyed traveling in his RV, spending winters in South Texas, and relaxing at his place on Lake Lawtonka before returning to Lawton. He had a passion for gardening, particularly tending to his rose bushes and fruit trees. He also enjoyed woodworking and carving, often crafting beautiful jewelry boxes.

Bill will be remembered for his deep love for his family and the kindness he extended to everyone around him. His presence will be deeply missed.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Carmen Toegel and her sons, Michael Gunnar Toegel and his daughter, Makynna and Jeffrey Ryan Toegel and his daughters, Bradley Jo and Brynlee, stepsons and their families, Franz Doscher, Tony Doscher and Cheryl Holcomb, stepdaughter, Lena Doscher, stepsons and family, Ben, Jim, and Roy Phillips, sisters, Ruth Thomas, Shirley Kutchell, and brothers, Rick and Dean Benson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Robert, Chuck, and Wayne Benson, Dorothy Johnson, and his two wives.

An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com