The Honorable Quinn Earl Benson

Quinn E. Benson, Beloved Husband, and Father, died Tuesday, June 21, 2022, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born January 17, 1937, in Marinette, Wisconsin, the son of Earl and Lucille (Liefe) Benson.

Father Earl was in the US Navy and, as a result, the family traveled extensively. Quinn attended several different high schools, Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN and graduated in 1963 from the University of Chicago Law School with his JD degree. He was an attorney in Kalamazoo, MI for 25 years before he was appointed 9th District Judge by Gov. James Blanchard in 1989. Quinn served as Kalamazoo County 9th District Judge from 1989 - 2008. He was a kind and gentle Judge to those who came before him, and he changed many lives with his wisdom and thoughtfulness.

Quinn sang with the Bach Festival Chorus for 15 years. He loved music and had a wonderful baritone voice. His favorite pastime was creating beautiful stained-glass pieces, and he was greatly admired for his creativity.

On June 25, 1987, he married Penny (Rice) Benson, and they purchased a home in Kalamazoo, MI where they lived happily for 35 years. In November of 2021, they sold their home and moved to Portage, MI.

Quinn was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Wayne Benson and Glenn Benson. Also surviving are his children, Matthew W. (Bohdana) Benson, Stephen C. (Lisa) Benson and Sarah E. Benson-Kuhnle (Nicholas), 5 grandchildren, Dylan W. Kuhnle, Justin A. Benson, Emily A. Benson, Liliana M. Benson, and Benjamin R. Benson. He is also survived by his stepsons, James F. (Shirley) Molnar and Tracy J. Molnar who accepted him into their circle with open arms and hearts. Quinn was proud of Penny's grandson, Joseph J. Molnar, and his family, and Joseph and Amanda Porter blessed Quinn and Penny with their first great-grandchild in September of 2022, Lyncoln J. Molnar.

Also surviving are Penny's sisters, Ronda L. (Steven) Shearer and Jerrita (James) Parker who loved Quinn and welcomed him as a member of the family.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been trusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 411 E. Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002. To view Quinn's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com


And his smile
Alone…
Was reason
Enough…
To live….