Bruce Edwin Benson

Bruce Edwin Benson was born in Chicago on January 27, 1939 to Edwin and Alice (nee Blaske) Benson. He passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on August 31, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Benson (nee Stec). He is survived by his loving family, including his children Tami (Bob) Flubacker, Michael Benson, Traci (Dave) Anderson; his grandchildren Stefanie (Chris) Dozois, Mark Flubacker, Scott (Shelby) Flubacker, Mia and Alex Benson, Christian and Zoe Anderson; and his great-grandsons Benson and Cole Dozois. Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brother Richard “Dickie” Benson.

Bruce grew up in the Galewood neighborhood in Chicago and attended Sayre Public School and Steinmetz High School, where he met the love of his life and future bride, Barbara. They married in 1960 and lived in Elmwood Park, Hoffman Estates, and eventually Baltimore, where he studied at Johns Hopkins University and received his bachelor’s degree while working for Western Electric. With their three children, Bruce and Barb returned to the Chicagoland area, living first in Elmhurst, then Arlington Heights, and finally Inverness as empty nesters. Bruce obtained a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. He had a distinguished career in the trade association industry as Vice President of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and then as President at Fibre Box Association (FBA). He was considered a leader in his field and received many honors and accolades.

Bruce’s faith was very meaningful to him and guided him throughout his life. He was a devout member of St. Peter Lutheran Church for 45 years, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Elders and then as the president of the congregation. After his retirement from FBA, he worked part-time at St. Peter as Executive Director of Ministry Support, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.

Above all, Bruce was a family man. He was very involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons. He especially enjoyed attending their sporting events and school productions, celebrating their successes, and encouraging them through challenges. He had a gift for dispensing guidance and counsel at just the right time. Many memories were made at the Arizona condo, his winter home, where he enjoyed fun by the pool, time on the balcony watching the beautiful mountain sunsets, and many family dinners. Bruce was an avid fan of both the Bears and the Cubs and enjoyed watching the games with his family. He never said no to a trip to the casino, eager to introduce family members to his favorite game, blackjack, as soon as they came of age. Bruce also loved to host his friends of the South Arlington Poker Society (SAPS) for regular poker games.

His sense of humor and gift for storytelling will be missed by all who knew him. He was deeply loved.

Visitation: Thursday, September 25 from 4:00 pm until the time of the memorial service at 5:30 pm at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive Street, Arlington Heights. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church and School, honoring Bruce’s dedication to his church community.

For more information: Glueckert Funeral Home 847-253-0168