June Leland Benson

Nephi, Utah - After a long, fulfilling life, June Leland Benson returned home to his Heavenly Father, Tuesday, January 24, 2012, where many of his loved ones awaited his arrival.

He was born on Dec. 24, 1918, in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, the son of James and Alta Benson. After graduating from high school, he set aside his dream of becoming an aviator to join his father on the farm. Together they built a successful farming enterprise. Many would go on to say they grew the best seed potatoes in Idaho.

He married Virginia Green in 1940 and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with three children, Randy, Kirk, and Dyan.

In 1946, during World War II, June was called to serve in the US Navy. He was trained as a Radar Technician aboard the USS Fargo and honorably served his country.

June and Virginia worked side by side on the farm until 1969 when they moved to Blackfoot, Idaho, where he became a foreman at American Potato Company. He cared for and cherished his beloved wife, Virginia, until her death in 1981. After retiring, he moved to Utah to be close to his children.

In 1986, he met and married Wendy Briggs Vorhies in the Manti, Utah Temple. They have made their home in Nephi, Utah, where they have had a wonderful, happy life together. June has always loved Wendy's children, Robert, Angelica and Jason as his own.

June was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many different callings. One of his greatest joys was serving in the Idaho Falls and Manti Temples.

His passion for growing things never ended. "You can take the farmer off the farm but not the farm out of the farmer". He continued to produce amazing vegetable gardens throughout his life.

His greatest love was that of family. Every child, grandchild, and great grandchild was precious to him. (26 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren) Thank you, Dad, for leaving a legacy of integrity, hard work, kindness and faith.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude for all of the wonderful health care professionals at the Nephi Medical Center who gave our Dad such special care.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Nephi, Utah L.D.S. 8th Ward Chapel (corner of 1st E. & 4th S.) with Bishop Brett Ludlow, officiating. Interment will be in the Lava Hot Springs Cemetery on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at approximately 4:00 p.m. with military graveside rites provided by the Lava Hot Springs American Legion Post 88. The family will receive friends on Friday evening January 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Nephi L.D.S. 8th Ward Chapel and on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. also at the church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho.