Peter G. Benson

East Lansing, Michigan — Peter Benson, age 76, passed away of natural causes on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at his home in East Lansing, MI. He was born on July 16, 1947, the first-born son of Gilbert W. Benson, MD, and Marion (Olsen) Stegath.

Peter was an EAHS graduate with the Class of 1965. He continued his education at the University of Michigan and then Ferris State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy. While in college he completed an internship at Pryal’s Drug Store in Escanaba. Peter was easy-going, kind, and patient, all qualities that served him well in a pharmacy career that he loved and that spanned more than 50 years. He worked in independent, hospital, and major drug store pharmacies in Lower Michigan. His favorite was the small pharmacy in a more rural setting where he could talk to old-timers about past “cures,” medicines and treatments, for both people and animals.

Peter loved animals, especially dogs, and said that he was “never without a dog” in his adult life. His last two beloved pups were “Teddy” and “Little Man” who both passed on before he did.

Friends and family would say that Peter had a mischievous smile, twinkle in his eye, and a wry and prankish sense of humor. He was known for giving people fun nicknames. He loved a good time and sharing laughs with friends, a few of those friends lifelong. In later years, Peter enjoyed going to local football games in and around Lansing with his former EAHS coach and mentor, Jerry Cvengros.

Peter is survived by his wife, Denise, and his three children, Jon (Renae) Benson of Phoenix, AZ, and Diana Benson and Daniel Benson, both of East Lansing, MI. He is also survived by his older sister, Sally Benson of Ford River, MI, his younger brother Robert (Roberta) Benson of Escanaba, MI, and several cousins, nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister Barbara Jean Benson, a half-sister Nancy Jane Benson, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

No formal funeral visitation or service will be held. The family will gather for a private memorial in September.

The Benson family is being assisted by the Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba, MI, and the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes of East Lansing, MI.

Condolences may be sent online to www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.

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