1959-2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eric Bensen, who valiantly battled illness for many years.
Eric Curtis Bensen, 64, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024. He was born on August 21, 1959 in Elmhurst, Illinois to Gordon and Christina (Ackerly) Bensen.
Eric was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Bensen, and his mother, Christina (Ackerly) Bensen. He is survived by his loving siblings, Marje Bensen of Northlake, IL, Marian Bensen (Susan) Johnson of Bensenville, IL, and Arthur Bensen of Macomb, IL, who all provided unwavering support during his difficult times. His niece Kirsten (Johnson) Poynor, her husband Patrick Poynor, nephews Justin Johnson and Ian Johnson, and great nephews Oliver Poynor and Thomas Poynor, shared cherished moments with him, adding warmth to his days. They will all fondly remember their uncle and great uncle as a source of wisdom and strength. Eric will surely leave behind an empty place in the heart of his immediate relatives, loving cousins, and many other friends.
Eric grew up in Northlake, IL, and was a 1977 graduate of West Leyden High School. Following high school, he attended Western Illinois University for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, showcasing his commitment to education and knowledge.
During his time in college, Eric started to experience physical symptoms of what would come to be diagnosed as muscular dystrophy. Throughout his challenging journey, Eric found solace in his home, where he remained house-bound. Despite his physical limitations, his spirit remained resilient, and he continued to inspire those around him.
Eric had a passion for cats and dogs, finding comfort and companionship in their presence. He was an avid supporter of the Worldwide Wrestling Federation (WWF) / World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), demonstrating his dedication to the thrilling world of wrestling. As a proud Chicagoan, Eric's heart belonged to the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bulls, and he reveled in the victories and challenges faced by his beloved teams.
Eric looked at you, spoke with you, listened, and did it with his whole heart. He was intentional and cared about every part of you. His eloquence was rooted in honesty and wisdom; if you were once in his life, he knew something about you that had meaning and he always remembered.
Eric had an unmatched memory with an uncanny ability to learn and remember things about his family and friends that had true meaning.
One of Eric’s lasting wishes was to help others: in life he could always be counted on by those in need, and in death, in coordination with the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, Eric will help save and enhance the lives of as many as 25 people in need of tissue and organ donation.
In commemorating Eric, let us remember his resilience, his love for learning, the joy he found in simple pleasures, and the happiness that he brought to those around him. May he find eternal peace, leaving behind a legacy of courage and fond memories in the hearts of those who knew him.
A Celebration of Life for Eric will be planned for a future date in the Chicagoland area.
Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Eric’s memory to the Humane Society of Macomb (https://humanesocietyofmacomb.org/donations/) and the Humane Society of McDonough County (http://www.hsmcil.org/donate/).
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
