Paul Colberg Benson, age 91, a resident of Prospect Heights, Illinois and Rancho Mirage, California, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 11th.

He was born July 12, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the third of five children. He fought in WWII at D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, the 746th tank battalion, part of the first US troops to enter Germany, which also liberated the concentration camp at Nordhausen. He received the Bronze Star for rescuing an infantry officer under machine gun and mortar fire.

He worked for Lithocolor Press from1940 to the mid-1990's, during which time he also served as President and the Chairman of the Board.

Paul was a member of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church, and also attended Palm Springs Baptist Church. During his lifetime, he served on the board of Pacific Garden Mission and Good News Publishers for many years. He also served in bereavement and prison ministries, and contributed time and treasure to many other charitable organizations and missionaries.

He is survived by his son, Jonathan (Shelley), of Evanston, IL, and three daughters: Gail (Tony) Schaap of Santa Barbara, CA; Joan (Gary) Jonland, of Port Townsend, WA; and Holly Benson of San Diego, CA. He is also survived by his brother, Cal (Tootie) Benson, of Claremont, CA.

Paul had eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren (with one more due in June). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Elizabeth.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until the start of a funeral service to be held at 11:00 a.m. at The Orchard Evangelical Free Church , 1330 North Douglas Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, with Pastors Olsen and Zaubi officiating.

Committal service and 21 Gun Salute will be held on Monday, April 20th, at 11:00 a.m., at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, in Elwood, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Pacific Garden Mission , 1458 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60607.