Donald S. Benson D.D.S.

ROCHESTER, MINN:Donald S. Benson, D.D.S., died Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Rochester Methodist Hospital with his family present. Donald Sigvartsen Benson was born on February 23, 1932, in Rochester, MN, to Frank and Alphild (Sigvartsen) Benson.He graduated from Rochester High School in 1950 and from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1956.He married Patricia Hallett on June 23, 1956.They have been married for 54 years.He served in the Navy for two years and returned to Rochester in 1958 to start his dental practice.Donald practiced dentistry for forty-two years and retired in 2000.He was an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry until 2010.He was supervising dentist at the Rochester Community and Technical College Dental Hygiene Program for several years.He was a volunteer dentist at the Salvation Army Good Samaritan Dental Clinic.Donald was a member of the American Academy of Gold Foil Operators, and was elected to the American College of Dentists.He is a lifetime member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he served as superintendent of the Sunday School.He was active in Boy Scout programs as well as many service organizations. Donald is survived by his wife Patricia Benson, Rochester, MN, a son Eric (Lynn) Benson, Lakeville, MN, and a daughter Kristen (Michael) Phillips, Apple Valley, MN, four grandchildren, Katrina and Garth Benson, and Austin and Madeline Phillips.He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alphild Benson, and two sisters, Glorianne Benson and Jewells Grundmeyer. Donald greatly enjoyed the practice of dentistry, gardening, tennis, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, photography, and spending time with his family. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Bethel Lutheran Church.Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church.A private family burial will be held at a later date.Memorials are suggested to Mayo Clinic for Pulmonary Research or the Salvation Army Good Samaritan Dental Clinic.Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester, MN 55901.507-289-3600, www.ranfranzandvinefh.com