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Jon Benusa passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026 at his home with his wife by his side, after a courageous four-and-a-half-year battle with cancer, which Jon faced with strength and grace.
Born Jon Michael Benusa on February 14, 1965 in Arcadia Wisconsin to John “Jack” and LaVon (Fernholz) Benusa. Jon developed his love of being outdoors at an early age. He was often found fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and spending time on his grandparents’ farm. While in high school he played football, baseball, was in marching band and had the lead as Byrdie in Bye Bye Birdie. Jon cherished the early years, always finding joy in the simple moments. Jon got to work alongside his dad at the family’s John Deere Implement shop learning hard work, dedication, and the value of relationships. After high school Jon attended UW- Stout where he met his wife, Natalie. Before settling down, they moved from Indianapolis to Minneapolis. In between moving, transferring jobs, and starting a family, Jon earned his master’s degree in Manufacturing Systems from St. Thomas University. Jon dedicated 25 years working at Inteck Plastics in Hastings, MN before retiring in 2022.
For the past 26 years he and Natalie have called River Falls home. Jon looked forward to planning family vacations, carving out family time together in between Jack’s hockey games, Emma’s soccer matches, and other activities they participated in.
According to his daughter there was nothing Jon could not build or fix. Jon loved working in his garage, planning and researching, and working on his next project! (and there were many)
Jon is preceded in death by his dad, John “Jack” Benusa and his sister-in-law, Darla Benusa. He is survived by his mother, LaVon Benusa, his wife Natalie Benusa and children; Jack (Fiancé, Kaylie Brand ) and Emma (Alec) Skar, his brother Jay Benusa and nephew Jayson Benusa. Along with many family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jon’s name to the Miles for Melanoma, Melanoma Research Fund.
A celebration of Jon’s life was held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 am at Journey Church of River Falls (605 Valley View Dr.) with visitation beginning at 9:00 am until the time of the service. A reception followed the service in the church basement. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
22 Comments
My sympathy to The Benusa family.
Natalie Wozney Erickson
You have my sympathy. He was a great young man when I worked with Emil and jack at JD down town . Benusa Imp. 1976 .
This is just heartbreaking and we are so sorry for your loss, Natalie, Emma, Jack, and family. Sending deepest condolences and wishes for peace and comfort.
We are so sorry for the loss of Jon. We are praying for your family and friends 🤍
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. May all of your wonderful memories help provide comfort and peace. Please know the entire Rocky Branch staff is ready to offer Natalie whatever love and support she needs/wants!!
Natalie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Let me know if I can help you in any way possible. I am here for you. May God Bless you and heal your heart.
My heart is heavy for you, Natalie, Jack, and Emma! Please do not hesitate to ask for anything you need, even if it’s just a listening ear. Natalie, your presence has been missed at Rocky Branch where you look after all of us as I am certain you did for your beloved Jon.
Natalie so sorry to hear about your loss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers. 🙏 🙏
My sympathies to you, Natalie, and your family.
Kay, Natalie and family. Sorry to hear of the your loss. You have many fine memories. Cherish them. Take things “one Day at a time.”
Cousin Keith
We are so sorry to hear the news of Jon’s passing. Lifting you up in prayer. Love and hugs.
My deepest sympathies for your profound loss. Natalie, Jack and Emma, may you feel surrounded by love and support.
Deepest Sympathy during this most difficult time. Jon was a good man.
My prays for your loss .. Spend a lot of time at the farm growing up building his cabin with his classmates Great times and memories .Rest in peace my friend
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family Natalie
So very sorry to hear this news and for your immense loss. Sending love your way and keeping you all in my heart.
Deepest sympathy to you Natalie “tootsie” and just heartbreaking news. So sorry for your loss Emma, and Jack. Just know he was awesome friend- inside and out. Sending my deepest condolences in this difficult time. I cherish our times laughing, building, studying, hunting, and driving to Stout.
My most sincere condolences to Jon’s family and friends in Jon’s passing. I hired Jon at Intek Plastics and stayed in touch on and off over the years. I can honestly say, not only was he a top notch employee, but a fine man to know and I always enjoyed our visits. Peace and prayers for Jon, family and all those close.
Mike Brown
Natalie, Jack,Emma and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. May you smile when you think of him and remember all the good times you were able to share.
So sorry to learn of Jon’s passing. I spoke to Lavon this morning and learned the news. All of you are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Natalie, you and Jon have been in my thoughts since I left Rocky Branch. This news is so sad to hear! I know your family was fighting as hard as you could. When I lost my dad 4 years ago you were so amazing in all your help and support to me. I always appreciated that and have cherished that memory ever since. I am here for you, my long-lost lunch buddy. How can I help? Reach out, for anything. Sending you and your family and friends my most heartful sympathies, Nikki Pizza, Ellsworth
I am incredibly saddened by this horrific news of the passing of my childhood best friend Jon. We did so many things together from babies on and kept the entire Jefferson Street block in check. My sincere condolences on his passing you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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