Brandon Paul Benson

Brandon Paul Benson December 26, 1977 - January 5, 2026 Brandon Paul Benson, a gregarious grillmaster of sardonic wit and mostly agreeable demeanor, died on January 5, 2026, at his home in Apple Valley. He was 48 years old.

 Brandon was born on December 26, 1977, to Paul and Lorraine (Gaustad) Benson in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They settled into family life in Peterson. He loved ice cream, Hot Wheels and hanging out with friends. He had fond recollections of childhood fishing trips to local creeks. He and his sister Jodi would often mix their Barbies and GI Joes during marathon play sessions that roamed all over the house.

 As a young adult he sprouted up in height and spent the rest of his life searching for a vehicle that could comfortably contain his 6-foot-5 length. He loved cars and was always on the lookout for an upgrade or talking about ones he saw around town. He played basketball and football during the school year, and mowed lawns during the summers, often seen riding a lawn mower up and down Peterson's three streets, with a push mower in tow.

 He worked at Subway in high school and Sammy's Pizza in college, finishing a business degree at Winona State University. He built a wildly successful career over 20 years as a sales executive at Thomson Reuters, making sure lawyers nationwide had the proper resources filling their shelves and digital research vaults. He was a perfectionist in his work, earning the Presidents Club designation multiple times. He believed in making the sales process less transactional and developed deep relationships with his regular buyers. He also was a team leader who mentored new employees as they learned the ropes.

 A huge Minnesota sports enthusiast, he was indoctrinated early as a Vikings fan and never missed a Timberwolves game on television. Binge-worthy shows such as Game of Thrones and Survivor were also on his viewing agenda. Music was a favorite pastime, especially hits from his childhood in the '80s and '90s. 

Spending time with others was a priority to Brandon. Whether hosting groups at home or meeting up at Wild Bill's restaurant, Brandon had a broad cross-section of family, friends and co-workers whom he loved, and who loved him back fiercely. He told his parents "weekends are mine" but he called them like clockwork on Monday - Wednesday, and sometimes Thursday too. He and his sister had a tradition of giving each other a dollar every birthday; there were several years where the same crumpled bill went back and forth. 

He always hoped to retire in or near his hometown.

 Brandon is survived by his parents, Paul and Lorraine Benson of Rushford; his sister, Jodi (Jon) Rehlander of Fridley; niece and nephew Cassandra and Andrew; and aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents. 

Smart. Hilarious. Fun. Loyal. Independent. Brandon was all of these and more. We're heartbroken that he's gone too soon, but the indelible memories of a well-lived life will be with us forever.

Tentative plans are for a memorial service in the spring at Grace Lutheran Church in Peterson, MN. More information to follow. 

Hoff Funeral Home Rushford is assisting the family.