Brian Lee Benson was born February 14, 1965 to Chester and Opal (Engesmoe) Benson of Astoria, SD. Brian graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1983. After high school he attended and graduated from Lake Area Tech in Watertown with a degree in computers.

He enlisted in the National Guard in 1983 and continued that until retirement in 2010. Upon retirement he went on to get two degrees both from Colorado Technical University, which he graduated with honors. He was currently working for Camp Rapid as a technician in their finance department.

On February 27, 2013 he married Patrick Okonkwo in Pottawattamie County. They made their home in Black Hawk, SD. The two of them enjoyed spending time with their two dogs Dakota and Chet.

Brian passed away at his home on August 19, 2023 at the age of 58. The highlight of his year was attending his 40th class reunion and seeing longtime friends and family. Brian and Pat have always enjoyed coming home and being part of the family's celebrations.

Brian will be lovingly remembered by his husband Patrick, his twin sister Brenda (John) Yost of Watertown, SD, sisters Cheryl (Ron) Squires of Estelline, SD, Darla (Lyndy) Barkve of Brandt, SD, Deb (Eric) Engelbrecht, Clear Lake, SD, Margo (Scott) Sample, Waterloo, NE, sisters in law Caroline Hazen of Augusta, KS, Nannette Okonkwo of Los Angeles, CA, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Opal, mother-in-law Edna Hazen, aunts, uncles, and cousins.