Donald LeRoy Benson

Donald L Benson Was born April 24, 1930, in Minneapolis to Leonard and Lydia Benson. He died peacefully Dec.23, 2024 at the age of 94. Don grew up in South Minneapolis, graduating from Roosevelt High School. He attended the University of MN where he received his bachelor's degree. He had an extensive career as an architect, with many years working on Hospitals around the country including the Mayo Clinic in MN and Jacksonville FL. Don met Mary Jean Scott in "the neighborhood" through mutual friends and they were married June 26, 1954. They had 5 children who were raised in the Linden Hills area near Lake Harriet. He often mentioned what a great neighborhood we lived in and made many life long friends. Don and Mary Jean moved to Edina in the early 90's and his most recent residence was Gramercy Park Coop in Richfield before moving into the Masonic Home for nursing care. Don and Mary Jean enjoyed traveling together in their retirement years. Don loved animals and always had a faithful dog in the family. He learned to ski on one of his business trips to Wyoming and that became one of his favorite past times. He also enjoyed biking and working on his sports cars. He was a music lover and had a wide range of taste from Rock to folk to Classical music. As an architect, art was also a love, and he enjoyed going to the Art Institute. Reading became a passion for him, and he especially enjoyed reading poetry with his poetry group from Gramercy. Don is survived by children, Karen Blandon, Linda Snyder, Diane Williams (Brett) and Tom Benson. Eight grandchildren, Roberto Blandon, Selina (Dave) Ojard, Angelica Modderman, Joe (Ashley) Snyder, Cory Snyder, Andy Benson, Keegan Benson and Wyatt Benson as well as 8 great grandchildren, Casey and Melanie Modderman, Elliana, Mia and Alex Ojard, Jayce Snyder, Lillian and Jack Snyder. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Jean Benson, son Steve Benson and son in law Dave Snyder. A Special thank you to the care givers at the Masonic home and the care team from Brighton Hospice. Memorial service Jan. 27, 2025 at 11:00a.m. Hennepin Ave United Methodist Church 511 Groveland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Visitation 1 hour prior with lunch following service. Private interment at a later date.

Tributes

Donald LeRoy Benson

April 24, 1930 - December 23, 2024

Tributes

Donald LeRoy Benson

April 24, 1930 - December 23, 2024

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