Donald Benson

Donald C. Benson, age 82, of Winger, MN, died on Thursday, June 07, 2007 at the Midway Care Center, in Fosston, MN. Donald C. Benson, the son of Hans and Sara (Christianson) Benson was born September 28, 1924, near Mahnomen, MN, where he grew up and attended school. He joined the Merchant Marines in 1945. Don was assigned to ship duty and was deployed on ships throughout the world. He also operated tugs and spent countless hours at sea. He truly enjoyed his service duty particularly in the Far East. Don was also an accomplished boxer, earning Golden Glove medals in 1954, at Madison Square Gardens. That same year he was united in marriage to Margaret Kellerhuis at Mountain Iron, MN. They made their home in Mahnomen where Don was employed in local construction in the area. Following Margaret's death in 1963, he moved to the Twin Cities. While there he worked at a machine shop until 1967, when he again entered the Merchant Marines. He retired in 1982, after faithfully serving his country for over twenty-three years with the unusual distinction of being a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. After his military career, Don then moved to the Winger area, living there until entering the Midway Care Center in May of this year. Besides boxing, Don loved to fish and you could always find him at the "Corner Office" visiting with his and friends and neighbors. Surviving are four sons, Gerald (Carole), Jacksonville, FL, Larry (Jill Ferganchick), Bloomington, MN, Brian (Patty), Apple Valley, MN and Jim (Vicki Velari), Blaine, MN; one daughter, Juanita (Shane Hiltz) Tremeer, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; and his long time partner, Myrtle Lee. Surviving also are twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his wife, Margaret; his parents; a son, Rodney; six sisters and five brothers. Funeral service was held at 2:00 PM on Monday, June 11, 2007 at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home Chapel in Mahnomen. Pastor Nathan Baker-Trinity officiated with Monica Winter providing special music. Serving as pallbearers were his grandchildren; Christina Wagner, Samantha Spivey, Adam Benson, Mitch Benson, Kyle Benson, Blake Benson, Ryan Benson, Jake Benson, Cory Tremeer, Ryan Tremeer, Sheena Tremeer and Ginny Dinkins. Military honors were provided by the Lengby, MN, VFW Post #2759. Inurnment took place at First Lutheran Cemetery in Mahnomen.

Donald Benson

September 28, 1924 - June 7, 2007