Donald "Donnie" Paul Benson
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Donald's obituary
Donald Paul Benson (76) of Ankeny, passed away on August 31, 2023.
Donnie was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 28, 1947. His family moved around a lot while young, living in Fennimore, Wisconsin, and later moving to Madison, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Madison West High School in 1965.
Don grew up near the Mississippi River and when he was 12, his dad bought him a small motor boat and set him loose. He spent his days exploring the river, catching fish, frogs and snakes (you did not want to open any paper bags laying around!), and having fun. He once got lost in the backwaters with his sister for several hours before finding his way home, surprised to find his very concerned parents, neighbors, and the police looking for him. He was always a free spirit and adventurous, but stubborn. When Don realized he would be getting drafted for the Vietnam War, he enlisted as a Marine.
He became a soldier.
As a Marine, Donnie received extensive training as a Communication/Navigation Technician. He was assigned to an air base in Chu Lai, and completed three tours in Vietnam during Tet of '68, mostly working on military jets. While a soldier, he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, a Sharpshooter award, and others.
When Donnie returned from war, he met a cute girl at Happy Acres Lake in Dexter, Iowa, where their parents both had cabins. Two years later, in 1972 he married that cute girl, the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” Raye.
He became a husband.
In 1970, Don became a Postal Worker and started his career as a mail processing mechanic. When the Bulk Mail Facility opened, he transferred there as an Electronic Technician. He was a founding member of the local Union and served as Treasurer for many years. In 1977, he decided to attend DMACC on his GI bill.
He became a student.
Don got his Associate Degree in 2½ years, with just under a 4.0 gpa. He did this while working full time, serving the local union and attending childbirth classes.
He became a father of four.
Donnie spent his days (and sometimes nights) working, but on weekends and vacations, he played. He met lifelong friends when he joined a band, Road House. They rocked around the Des Moines area for years, playing at Seniomsed, local bars, and private parties. He could be found at Saylorville Lake or Lake of the Ozarks boating with family and friends, fishing, or playing the bass guitar in his basement. He also bought a blue 1967 Mustang and enjoyed car shows.
Eventually, Don found his way back to the Main Post Office in Des Moines, and finally retired as a Manager of Maintenance Operations in 2002.
He became a grandfather.
Don and Becky had just started traveling the western States in their RV before Covid hit. He was a loyal husband for 51 years, an amazing dad, a silly grandpa (who tried, to no avail, to teach all of his grandkids that up was actually down and that red was actually blue) and a really good friend.
He will be forever missed.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Alton Dotter Benson and Annebelle Lee West Benson, and his favorite aunt Thelma McCuen (“Mama Chuck”).
He is survived by his wife Becky, their children Missy (Chris) Palm, Jenny (Joshua Amarillas), Janice and Michael; grandchildren Alix, Sydney, Zach, Mila and Xander; sister Debra and her daughter Jimmie Sue, and sister Barb and family. Also, family not related by blood: Sarah “Eekles” Eckles, and the Road House Band members, who were always more like brothers than friends: Steve Palm, Steve Rogers, Chris Dowie and Steve Coleman.
Celebration of Life will be held November 27, 2023 at the American Legion in Van Meter from noon to 1:30 pm. A Military Service will follow at 2:00 PM at the Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. In lieu of flowers please donate to EveryStep Kavanaugh House.
Semper Fi and Welcome Home, Donnie.
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