George Benshoof Sr., 101, Garrison, died on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church in Garrison. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Minot at 3:00 pm.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 6 at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison.

George was born March 4, 1915 in Garrison, ND to Arthur Sr. and Martha (Giffey) Benshoof. He was raised and educated in Garrison but even at a young age wanted to farm. He started his first farm in 1935 on his mother's land, and then purchased some adjoining land that became available. George married Ruth Wilcox on November 4, 1937 in Bismarck, ND. Together they moved their farm to the present location in 1942. They remained on the farm their entire lives raising small grains and livestock. In 2000, George contracted the West Nile Virus and survived. He was placed at the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison where his wife Ruth joined him. Ruth passed away in July of 2007.

Carpentry became a secondary occupation for George, one that he mastered well. He left his mark at many rural homes and in Garrison. Often he went for drives with family and loved to point out who lived where and the work that he had done on those particular homes. His favorite time was going to town twice a day to have coffee. He loved to hear the news and gossip with the guys every day.

George is survived by his son, George Jr. (Polly) Minot, ND; daughter, Marlys Traub, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; grandson, Kevin (Pamela Filipshuk) Traub, and his children, Jordana, Katryna, and Serena, grandson, Brian (Robin) Traub, and his children, Annabelle and Raffie; granddaughter, Cindy (Mike) Schmaltz, and their children, Leo, Jacob and Hayden Schmaltz; all of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; step grandchild, Peggy (Ron) Kopp, and their son, Ryan (Tessa) Kopp and daughter, Marcia (Luke) Proulx, step grandchild, Jane (Fiance' Chris Omot) Svare, and her sons, Scott (son, Benjamin Svare) and Steve Svare, and grandchild, Sally Vanerstrom, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ruth, brother, Arthur Benshoof Jr., and sisters, Theone Kreklau and Goldie Wendel.