Gary Benton

Gary D. Benton Sr., age 73, of Faribault, died unexpectedly on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at his home.             Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault with Bernadette Tatge, pastoral minister of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, officiating. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault.             Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.             Gary Dean Benton, the son of Delbert and Helen (Steil) Benton, was born on June 23, 1937 in Algona, Iowa. At a young age his family moved to Faribault and he attended Bethlehem Academy. Gary was a lifelong truck driver and also worked as an electrician and welder. He enjoyed watching and recording movies, especially Sci-Fi movies.             He is survived by his children, Gary (Vicki) Benton Jr., Sherri (Kenneth) Pavek, Kim (Phillip) Brooks, Connie (Robert) Springer, Brenda (Kevin) Coon, John (Kathy) Benton, all of Faribault, Brande Westerberg of Northfield, Matthew Benton and Tabitha Benton, both of Faribault; 23 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; brother, Leonard Voit of Grand Marais, MN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.             He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert Benton, Helen and Leonard Voit; grandparents, John and Emma Steil; sister, Mary Hill; grandson, Jeremy J. Malecha; and great grandson, Blake McCarty.