Patrick Benedict graduated from Moorhead High School in 1951. In high school he distinguished himself in wrestling. From 1954-56, Benedict served in the U.S. Navy. In 1955, he placed first in All Navy Wrestling in the 191-pound weight class. Benedict developed and coached Shanley High School’s first wrestling program in 1960-61.

For 50 years, Benedict has been president and chair of Benedict Farms in Sabin, Minnesota. Benedict was featured on the cover of Time magazine in November 6, 1978, for a feature story titled “New American Farmer.” He was featured in an April 1979 Reader’s Digest article and an October 1982 Northwest Airlines article.

Benedict served on the executive committee of the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association prior to the purchase of American Crystal Sugar. In 1973 he was one of the founding members of American Crystal Sugar Coop. He served for 14 and a half years on the initial American Crystal Sugar grower-owned board and from 1983-87 he was chairman of the board. He was also one of the founders of the Northern Grain Elevator in 1974.

Actively involved in the community, Benedict served from 1982-91 as a board member for the Moorhead State University Foundation. From 1985-99, he served on the Fargo National Bank board, which became First Interstate Bank. In 1992 he was chairman of the board of First Interstate Bank which merged with Community First Bank. Additionally he has served on the MeritCare Hospital board of trustees and the Hospice board. Benedict is an active member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Sabin, Minnesota.

Since 1982, Benedict has served on the TNI board, now NRI (Neurological Research Institute). Benedict served as chairman of the board from 1986-91, and he is currently treasurer. He is also treasurer of the Golden Growers, formerly Northern Corn Processors, which he helped found in 1993. Benedict has been a ProGold board member since its inception. Golden Growers are 49 percent owners of the ProGold plant in Wahpeton, North Dakota.

Patrick is married to Fran Benedict. They have eight children, Michael, Stephanie, Blane, Lisa, Kurt, Katie (deceased), David and Luke, and 27 grandchildren. He lives in Sabin, Minnesota.

Update: Patrick Benedict died April 28, 2010.