Donald Ray Bennett, 85, of Lake Lillian, formerly of Benson, died Tuesday at Cedar Crest Assisted Living in Cosmos, MN. Funeral services will be Monday, June 2nd, at 11:00 AM, at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Benson, with Pastor Gary Brandenburg officiating. Burial will follow at the Benson City Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Donald Ray Bennett was born July 8, 1928, in Kimball, Minnesota, the son of Vernice Ray and Golda (Pratt) Bennett. He grew up in the Benson area and served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1948. On August 27, 1951, Donald was united in marriage to Marion Adiline Hoberg in Benson. This union was blessed with seven children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. They lived in the Benson area and Donald worked for a farmer. In 1957, they moved to Eveleth, Minnesota, where Donald worked for US Steel until his retirement in 1987. He then moved to Lake Lillian and lived with his son, Gary. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, mowing grass, and baling hay. Donald passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at Cedar Crest Assisted Living in Cosmos, Minnesota. He attained the age of 85 years, 10 months, and 19 days. Donald is survived by five children: Jerry Bennett of West Eveleth, Gary Bennett of Lake Lillian, Donna (Steve) Esala of Embarrass, Terry Bennett of South Minneapolis, and Mary (Toby) Bennett-Oppelt of Eveleth; six grandchildren: Renee, Nichole, Kylie, Duane, Anna-Marie, and Christina; two great-grandchildren: Griffin and Yaretzi; three brothers: Robert Bennett of Columbus, GA, Lewis Bennett of Phoenix, AZ, and Fred Bennett of Pillager, MN; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernice and Golda; wife, Marion on January 3, 1963; children, James and Fred Bennett; sister, Maxine Fitzgerald; brothers, Claire and Charles Bennett; and sisters-in-law: Esther, Sheryl, Janet, Delores, and Betty.
