Brooks Alden Benson passed away on July 3rd, 2025, in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was 82 years old.

Brooks was born on March 15, 1943, in Superior, Nebraska, to Gilbert Alden Benson and Gwendolyn "Billie" Benson. He grew up in Torrington, Wyoming, where he enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball. He graduated from Torrington high school in 1961. He enjoyed summers as a teenager working on area ranches, encouraged by his father. This helped him develop a strong work ethic.

In 1962, Brooks joined the United States Air Force and served four years as a military policeman. His service took him to the East Coast and Germany during a pivotal time in history. While stationed at Sembach Air Base in Germany, he was on duty when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated—a moment that left a lasting mark on him as operations across the base came to a halt. During his time on active duty, Brooks married Bonnie, with whom he was blessed to share two daughters, Shelley and Tracy.

After completing his active-duty service, Brooks returned home and worked alongside his father at the family-owned Bulk Mobile Oil Plant in Torrington. Eventually taking over the business himself, he continued to build upon his family's legacy of hard work and community service.

In 1973, Brooks joined the Wyoming National Guard and later transferred to a unit in Rapid City in 1976. He went full-time with the National Guard and dedicated himself fully to this role until his retirement in 2003. His 33 years of military service reflected his steadfast commitment to duty and country.

Brooks' personal journey was marked by resilience and transformation. In 1983, he began his path to sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous—a decision that would shape the rest of his life. It was through this journey that he met Mary Ann Scull, who would become his wife and partner for 41 years.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Benson; brother, Father J. Brad Benson; daughters, Shelley LaForge (Gerard), Tracy Rodgers, and daughter Arlette Vikre (Per); sons Bill Kassube (Lisa), Vince Kassube (Frankie); grandchildren  Justin Patterson (Sara), Miranda Lopez (Scott), Jordan Rodgers, Billie Kassube (Caleb), Holden Stach, Dalton Kassube (Dani), Sindre Vikre, Helena Vikre, Ingelin Vikre; as well as 6 great-grandchildren, Brayden Patterson, Brinley Patterson, Haley Lopez, Brianna Patterson, Layla Patterson, Tristan Lopez.

Brooks was predeceased by his grandmother Nellie Gray Benson, his Grandma Mack, and his parents Gilbert Alden Benson and Gwendolyn "Billie" Benson.

Brooks enjoyed hunting, reading, old western movies, and spent many days watching the Denver Broncos as he was one of their lifelong fans. His legacy includes not only 33 years of military service, but also 42 years of sobriety—a testament to his strength of character and unwavering determination.

May Brooks Alden Benson's memory brings comfort to those who knew him and serves as an enduring reminder of a life well-lived.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Stillwater hospice care team who treated Brooks with such dignity, love, and compassion throughout his final journey.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Christ Church, 1900 Evergreen Drive, Rapid City, SD with Pastor Garvon Golden officiating.

Burial Service will be at 2:30 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery with Full Military Honors provided.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.