Stanley (“Gene”) Eugene Benson, 96, and Donnis (‘Donnie”) Verle Benson, 92, of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Meadow Lakes Senior Center in Rochester, Minnesota—Donnis on Sept. 18, 2026, and Stanley on Sept. 25, 2026. They were loving spouses, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and friends, and they will be deeply missed.
Stanley was born in Atlas, Wisconsin, on Aug. 29, 1930, the youngest of eight children. He graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1948, served in the U.S. Army, and was honorably discharged. Donnis was born in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, on Aug. 27, 1934, the youngest of seven children. When she was nine, she lost her mother and developed the spunky personality and resilience that helped her make her way in the world. She graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1951.
She loved to roller skate and met Stanley at the roller rink. They married in 1953. Theirs was a love affair that spanned almost 75 years, and they were seldom apart.
Stanley worked as a carpenter, house builder, and cabinet maker and considered himself a common man—he was anything but. In addition to building multiple houses, he generously gave his time and skills to help build schools and clinics in the U.S. and Mexico, was always ready to help a friend or family member, and never failed to show he loved those around him.
Family and community were at the center of Donnis’s life. She was active in school programs, Girl Scouts, and Christian Women’s Club, and she did all this while also working at different times for Anoka and Chisago counties in Minnesota and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
They are survived by their children, Deanna Bressler (David) of St. Charles, Illinois, Jon Benson (Ponloeu Chim) of Rochester, Minnesota, and Jeff Benson of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; their beloved grandchildren, Chelsea, Jonathan, Leah, Duncan, Ploena, Gracia, and Beatus; and seven great-grandchildren.
Stanley’s passing was preceded by his wife, Donnis; his parents Helga and Carl Benson; and seven siblings. Donnis’s passing was preceded by her parents, Nels and Stella Nelson; and six siblings.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Trade Lake, Wisconsin, on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, beginning with visitation at noon, followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. and a reception. The family invites those who knew them to attend and share their favorite memories. Please feel free to bring and display photos or mementos.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Zion Lutheran Church of Trade Lake.
