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Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than a hug from one of his grandsons and great-grandchildren.

Bennie Robert Britton, 86, a lifelong resident of the Brainerd area, passed away peacefully at his home in Deerwood on Sunday, August 16, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Bennie was born on May 5, 1940, the son of Carl and Mabel (Rongnaldson) Britton. He graduated from Washington High School in Brainerd and immediately went to work. A skilled plumber, pipefitter, and welder, Bennie spent more than 40 years with Local 126.

Serving his country was important to Bennie, and when duty called, he willingly served for two years with the US Army in Korea. He was the sharpshooter and driver for the General and spent much of his time along the DMZ line.

After returning home, Bennie began dating Beverly Soderman-Virnig. They married and were blessed with four children. Bennie was a devoted husband, father, and provider who worked tirelessly, both through the union and on the family farm. There were beef cattle and pigs—much to Bev’s enjoyment—and the children learned early that everyone had a part in keeping the farm going.

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Bennie was a devoted husband, father, and provider who worked tirelessly, both through the union and on the family farm.

Bennie could be stubborn, but he was always fair. Beneath that tough exterior was a man who loved his family deeply, and nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than a hug from one of his grandsons and great-grandchildren.

In his free time, Bennie enjoyed hunting, fishing—especially spearing—trap shooting, and racing snowmobiles. He raced Scorpion snowmobiles from Crosby and was proud of the locally built machines.

Bennie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bev; children, Craig (Katie) Virnig, Brian (Gail) Britton, and Marla (Deb Woitalla) Britton; grandsons, Josh (Chelsi) Virnig, Matt (Kate) Virnig, Luke (Briana) Virnig, Isaac (Gabby) Britton, Jacob Britton, and Peter (Abby) Britton; great-grandchildren, Sutton, Harlow, Pyper, Charlie, Georgie, Graci, Gus, Boone, Coy, and Hazel; and his adoring sisters, who may have spoiled him right from the start, Irene Gearey, Elaine (Bill) Axtell, and Shirley (Duane) Jensen.

He was preceded in death by his nine-year-old son, George, in 1979; his brother-in-law, Jim; his nephew, John; and his parents, Carl and Mabel.

A Celebration of Bennie’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to the service and stay for a luncheon to follow.

Interment with Military Honors will take place at Bay Lake Cemetery.