June Leland Benson
1918-2012
After a long, fulfilling life, June Leland Benson returned home to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, where many of his loved ones awaited his arrival.
He was born on Dec. 24, 1918, in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, the son of James and Alta Benson. After graduating from high school, he set aside his dream of becoming an aviator to join his father on the farm. Together they built a successful farming enterprise. Many would go on to say they grew the best seed potatoes in Idaho.
He married Virginia Green in 1940 and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with three children, Randy, Kirk, and Dyan.
In 1946, during World War II, June was called to serve in the U.S. Navy. He was trained as a Radar Technician aboard the USS Fargo and honorably served his country.
June and Virginia worked side by side on the farm until 1969 when they moved to Blackfoot, Idaho, where he became a foreman at American Potato Company. He cared for and cherished his beloved wife, Virginia, until her death in 1981. After retiring, he moved to Utah to be close to his children.
In 1986, he met and married Wendy Briggs Vorhies in the Manti, Utah Temple. They have made their home in Nephi, Utah, where they have had a wonderful, happy life together. June has always loved Wendy's children, Robert, Angelica and Jason as his own.
June was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many different callings. One of his greatest joys was serving in the Idaho Falls and Manti Temples.
His passion for growing things never ended. "You can take the farmer off the farm but not the farm out of the farmer." He continued to produce amazing vegetable gardens throughout his life.
His greatest love was that of family. Every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild was precious to him. (26 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren). Thank you Dad, for leaving a legacy of integrity, hardwork, kindness and faith.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude for all of the wonderful health care professionals at the Nephi Medical Center who gave our dad such special care.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Nephi, Utah L.D.S. 8th Ward Chapel (corner of 1st E. and 4th S.) with Bishop Brett Ludlow, officiating. Interment was in the Lava Hot Springs Cemetery on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. with military graveside rites provided by the Lava Hot Springs American Legion Post 88. The family received friends on Friday evening January 27, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Nephi LDS 8th Ward Chapel and on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. also at the church. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho. Online condolences may be sent to the Benson family at www.manningwheatleyfuneralchapel.com.
