Terry "STROKER" L. Benson

Terry L. “STROKER” Benson, 66, of Galesburg, IL, passed away peacefully at 8:27 a.m., Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg, IL.

He was born on March 27, 1954 in Galesburg, IL, the second child of Arthur “Bud” and Beverly “BJ” (Windom) Benson.  Stroker was raised and educated in Alexis, IL, where he excelled in football and basketball.  He was a three-year letterman in both sports playing on the Little Six Conference Championship team in 1970.  He was the leading rebounder for three years and earned Little All-State honors in basketball in 1972.

After graduation Stroker worked in labor related trades.  He was a skilled plumber, mechanic, and carpenter.  Stroker raced motorcycles and later raced late model stock cars.  Racing is a family tradition that Stoker followed in his father’s footsteps and raced alongside his brother, Rick.  Stroker was a winning driver and respected by all.  From 1980-2000 he assisted in managing the Kozy Inn on Rt. 150, Galesburg, IL.  Stroker was always ready to organize a fund-raising event for children and families in need.  He created the Lawnmower Poker Run which was a lively event and all proceeds were donated to a local charity.  Stroker organized the Bear Game Day Feeds which were attended and enjoyed by many.

Stroker also worked with his brother, Rick, the Knox County Speedway, and later for R.A. Benson Motorsports.  At the time of his passing, Stroker, was employed by the City of Galesburg Parks Department, where he was well liked and respected by his supervisor and co-workers.

Stroker was an outdoor enthusiast with a love for trapping, hunting, and fishing, especially Wisconsin Catfishing.  Stroker was always ready to help someone as best he could; be it a plumbing or auto problem, or just lending a hand.  Most of all, Stroker loved spending time with his family.  He was very proud of his nephew, Bill, and his great nephews, Jeremy and Matthew.  Stroker was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan.  He enjoyed NASCAR Racing and was able to watch the Daytona 500 this year.  Stroker will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  Bears games will be a little quieter, Brother Rick’s trade show trips will be a little lonely, and the holidays will not be the same.  See you down the road Stroke.

Surviving Stroker are two brothers, Rick (Kim) Benson of Alexis, IL, Randy Benson of Galesburg, IL; nephew, Bill (Jenna) Benson of Monmouth, IL; two great nephews, Jeremy Benson and Matthew Benson.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and his parents.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 11, 2021 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  A private family burial of ashes will be in Alexis Cemetery, Alexis, IL at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Terry Benson Memorial Fund.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all attendees are required to wear a mask and social distance.  For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.