Robert E. Bengson

Robert Eli Bengson was born on November 21st 1953 to Eli and Virginia Bengson. The family first resided in Winthrop Minnesota. They relocated to Litchfield Minnesota when Bob was in 7th grade. Bob being Bob; he thrived at Litchfield high school. Some of Bob’s best friends are the same guys he met in 7th grade. Bob graduated from LHS in 1972. Upon relocating to Litchfield, the Bengson’s joined Zion Lutheran Church and Bob remained a member for the rest of his life.

After high school Bob served in the Army National Guard and was based out of Fort Ord California. Upon his return to Litchfield Bob opened Bob’s Standard. He owned and operated “the station” until the mid 1980’s.

It was during this time that Bob met and married his first wife in 1974. They had 4 beautiful children, Renae, Robin, Bobby, and Brad. Bob continued to be a loving and committed father to all 4 children.

Bob also served Litchfield as a member of the Rescue Squad. He of course developed many more lifelong friendships during his time in the Rescue Squad. Bob took a short hiatus from Litchfield moving to the “cities” before returning to Litchfield. Bob worked several jobs over the years and ended his career in maintenance with Litchfield Public Schools.

It was in 1986 when Bob met the love of his life, Tracey Jean Jelinek. Bob and Tracey were married on February 11th 1989. Tracey became a bonus mom in every way. She helped, supported, gave advice, and built a relationship with each of the Bengson kids. Bob and Tracey’s love and commitment grew as they navigated their new ready-made family.

Dad loved the outdoors. Dad and Tracey dragged us kids on many camping trips. At times both adults and children were miserable. We also created a lot of great memories on those trips. They didn’t know it then, but they were instilling a love of nature, camping, and the outdoors in all of us.

The best thing about our dad was his ability to make everyone feel welcome. He passed along his gift for hospitality to all 4 of his children. No one ever goes hungry when the Bengson’s are around. Dad loved to cook and bake banana bread. He liked trying new recipes and passed along his love for all things grilled to Bobby, Brad and bonus son Tim.

After the kids left the nest Bob and Tracey were able to enjoy some more relaxing camping. They have spent the past 21 summers at their permanent camp site on Lake Washington. Bob has a great group of lake friends too. Some he’s known since 7th grade and others he met at the lake. In true Bob fashion these friends have also become lifelong friends.

Bob has battled through many bouts with cancer over the past 11 years. Bob and Tracey took this fight on together. They complimented each other. Tracey made organizing Bob’s treatments her full time job. This left our dad able to fight this terrible disease with all he had. Bob beat many odds and suffered great pain to have a little more time with his beloved wife and kids. We are all deeply honored by his many acts of love and sacrifice. Robert Eli Bengson lost his battle with cancer on July 24, 2025.

Robert is survived by his wife Tracey, daughters Renae (Joseph) Schlechter, Robin (Timothy) Hoffmann, sons Robert (Michelle) Bengson and Bradley (Jackie) Bengson, grandchildren, Cullen (Mackenzie) Hoffmann, Sydni (John) Salzl, Benjamin Carstens, Noah Schlechter, Samuel Hoffmann, Sophie Schlechter, Eli Bengson, and Emily Bengson, step grandchildren Nick and Trinity, greatgrandchildren Teddy and Grace Salzl, sister-in-law Ginger Hoffman, nieces and nephew as well as many beloved family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eli and Virginia Bengson, His sister Lynda Torgerson and his brothers-in-law Paul Torgerson and Mark Hoffman.

A special thank you to Alina Hospice, Pastor Mark Astrup, and the many family and friends who have helped and supported us throughout this journey.

We loved you every day and we will miss you every day.

Isaiah 41:10- do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

A celebration of life will be held at Bob and Tracey’s house on August 4th 9am-11am with a service at the grave site to follow.