Charles Bense

Charles James "Jim" Bense, 58, Moorhead, MN, died suddenly Thursday, June 14, 2007,
in his home.


Jim was born in Sacramento, CA, on June 17, 1948, to Charles and Joan Bense.
He earned a B.A. and an M.A. from Sacramento State University, an M.A. from
University of Montana, and a Ph.D. from University of California-Davis.


Jim had a long and varied teaching career. Prior to pursuing his Ph.D. he
taught high school in Missoula, MT, and taught English for the Department of
Defense at U.S. Army bases in Germany and Italy. After earning his doctorate,
Jim was hired in 1990 as a Professor in the Department of English at Minnesota
State University Moorhead. In addition to teaching courses in American
Literature, Jim introduced students to the literature of the Beat Generation
and the writings of Bob Dylan. He published articles in scholarly journals
such as The New England Quarterly and The Journal of Mind and Behavior.


Jim's greatest enjoyments were his scholarly pursuits, spending time at his
lake cabin, listening to music, playing guitar, and grilling meals for family
and friends. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.


Jim is survived by his wife, Caroline Collins Bense; one daughter, Heidi
Bense-Kang, Arcata, CA; two grandchildren, Luke and Delia; parents, Charles and
Joan Bense, Auburn, CA; two brothers, Jack Bense and Bob (Kathy) Bense; one
sister, Nancy (Tim) Beers; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a
wealth of friends, all in the Sacremento area, Minnesota, and throughout the
U.S.


Funeral: Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph Catholic Church,
Moorhead.