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MARQUETTE, MI – Walter George "Brutz" Benson, age 85, entered eternal life Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the Eastwood Nursing Center in the loving care of his family.
Born December 25, 1938, in Marquette, a son of Walter and Fannie (Orhanen) Benson, Brutz was raised in Marquette. He attended the John D. Pierce High School where he participated in football, baseball, basketball, and hockey, graduating in 1957. He worked as a carman for the Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad for seven years before entering the US Army, where he also participated in baseball while serving. Upon his honorable discharge, Brutz returned home and was again employed with the LS & I Railroad before beginning a 27 year career as a corrections officer at the Marquette Branch Prison. He retired May 1, 1994. Brutz was married twice, first to Julie Christensen and later to Bertha "Bert" (Erfourth) Lewis. As both a dad and step-dad, he gave unconditionally and was a loving father to all. When the grandkids began arriving, Brutz shared a special relationship with each and every one of them, giving them all special nicknames. They were truly his pride and joy and he very much enjoyed mentoring them in the activities and values he treasured along with following their activities. He possessed a heart of gold, was kind, caring, and full of fun when it came to family and friends. He valued his lifelong friends and considered them a part of his family. Brutz was very much an outdoorsman, especially enjoying brook trout fishing, and only switching to fishing from a boat in his later years. He enjoyed hunting and loved animals and dogs. Later in life, Brutz bowled in the mixed leagues with his wife, Bert, and was an avid Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions fan, along with a variety of local sports.
Brutz was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Michigan Retired Employees, and the VFW.
Brutz is survived by his wife, Bertha "Bert" Benson; daughters, Brenda (Pete) Popps and Sherry (Darryl) Branham; sons, Darrin "DJ" Benson and Robert (Tracey) Lewis; his grandchildren, Britnee, Joe, Brad, Chelsea, Amber, Cale, and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Dane, Zahra, Caden, and Jackson.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marcia (the late Roger) Hescott.
Services will be held in June and will be announced.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com