William Benson

William Lyle “Bill” Benson, 93, of Vinton passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 29 at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 East Sixth Street in Vinton.  Interment will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Vinton with graveside military rites by the Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post #57 of Vinton and Iowa Military Honors. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 28 at the Funeral Home.

Bill was born November 26, 1927 in Postville to Louie and Rose (Bellis) Benson. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served four years during and following World War II. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Bill was wounded 11 times during his Army service, and he was also captured and became a prisoner of war. Later, he and two of his fellow soldiers were able to escape captivity.

December 31, 1951, he was united in marriage to Lois Hertrampf in Waukon.  Lois preceded Bill in death in 2009. Bill was an avid league bowler and continued to bowl into his 90s. He also loved to fish on the Cedar River.

Bill is survived by three sons, Jason Benson of Tipton, Eric Benson of Talladega, AL and Blake Benson of Vinton; three daughters, Cindy (Charlie) Blackburn of Marion, Sally Benson of Vinton and Lacey (Dan) Mason of Kellogg; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois; two sisters, Lorraine and Lois; and his brothers, Lavern and Fred.

Online condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.