Jens “Jay” Benson
Benson, Jens “Jay” of White Bear Lake, formerly of Wabasha. Jens was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1929 to parents Kurt and Ketty Bengtsson. He was joined by brothers Kurt (deceased) and Sven as well as three half brothers, Jan (deceased), Jerry and Hans. Jay had a spirit of adventure and zest for all that life had to offer. As a young man he was lured by the sea and gained employment on the MS Gripshom, Swedish America Cruise Line, headed for New York. After several trips, Jens immigrated to Canada living first in Montreal, Vancouver and then the Okanagan Valley. He asked his Swedish girlfriend to join him in Canada, she did and they had 3 children together. He was a good father; patient and kind. He was a “people person”, and loved being in sales. His career included the automotive, uniform and tree farm ventures. He loved a good car, and would drive anywhere. Jay met his second wife, Marlys, while sailing and for the next 40 years they shared a passion for travel adventure. While residing in White Bear Lake they were proprietors of Santa’s Tree Farm where Jay found great pleasure in growing Christmas trees and dressing up and playing Santa Claus for local families. They retired to Wabasha, continuing his joy of being near water and meeting new friends. Jay kept busy volunteering at the Wabasha Eagle Center, and driving anyone in the community who had a need to medical appointments, no matter how far. His other pleasures included traveling in their motorhome, cooking, and story telling. Jay will be missed by his many friends, his Canadian family; Glenn (Robbi and daughters Sara and Amy), Janet (Tony and children Kegan, Kaylan, Kelsey, Kaprie), Teena (Michael) and his United States step family; Wayne (Mary, and sons Matthew and Samuel), Paul (sons Ben and Andy) and Kristine (Jim and sons Tyler and Kyle), nephew Bruce and niece Kay (Bill). He is survived by wife Marlys. Private interment. Donations would be gratefully accepted in Jay’s name to Sharing and Caring Hands, Minneapolis. muellermemorial.com 651-429-4944
