Donald Erick Benson

Donald Erick Benson, age 94, of Edina, passed away on April 7, 2025. Don was born on June 1, 1930, in Minneapolis to Swedish Immigrant parents, Annie and Fritz Benson. Don was the second of eight children born into a loving, tight knit family. He attended high school at South High in Minneapolis where he excelled as a student and joined the cheerleading team. Don served two years in the US Army and the US Navy. Later he continued his education and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1955 with a BBA in Accounting. Don then practiced with Arthur Anderson & Co. from 1955, became a partner in 1965 until 1968. He resigned from Arthur Anderson & Co partnership to join Carl R. Pohlad Group in expanding Pohlad Industries, including several banks, and the Minnesota Twins. Don was active on many different Boards, holding various positions with them. They include Delta Beverage Group Inc., Marquette Bancshares, Inc., Mass Mutual Corporate Investors, Mass Mutual Participation Investors, Mesabi Holdings Inc. and Minnesota Twins Baseball club. He also was involved in many civic organizations including, Boys and Girls Club of Minneapolis where he was Past President, Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Methodist Hospital, Swedish Council of Americas and The Royal Round Table of Swedish Council of America and Bethel University and Seminary Foundation, where he served as Past Chairman and Member of the Board of Trustees. He was also pivotal in establishing Donald E Benson Great Hall at Bethel University. Don was also an avid golfer and a member of Interlachen County Club. Don is preceded in death by his brothers Leonard, Jim and Roy Benson. Survived by Siblings Harold, Wayne, Gerald and Ruth Ann. Children Linda Benson, Nancy Salvini (David), Stephen Benson(Teresa). Grandchildren Todd Pinckney (Jessica), Laura Stanz (Robert), David Pinckney (Ashley), William and Olivia Benson. Greatgrandchildren Juliette Pinckney, Noelle Pinckney, Jordan Stanz, Zoe Stanz, Penelope Stanz, Lillian Pinckney and Logan Pinckney. He is loved and remembered by many close friends including, Gerry Gudmundson and Susan Johnson. Visitation will be from 2:00 - 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W. 50th St & Hwy 100, Edina, MN. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, luncheon at 11:00 with a private family burial.

Tributes

Donald Erick Benson

June 1, 1930 - April 7, 2025

Tributes

Donald Erick Benson

June 1, 1930 - April 7, 2025

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