Don Benson

Donald George Benson was born in Gordon, Nebraska June 26, 1935, to Alfred Ture “Tut” and Margaret Victoria VanTifflin Benson. Don passed away in the early morning hours of August 28, 2025, at the age of 90.

Don attended Catholic school in Rushville before his family settled at the homestead south of Gordon. He then attended country school and graduated from Gordon High School in 1953. Shortly after graduation, he worked on the Borneman ranch and other ranches in the area.

Don met the love of his life LynnDell Parlasca at a dance in Merriman, Nebraska. They married in Crescent City, California. Don worked on the commercial fishing dock for a short time. He longed for the cowboy life back in Nebraska, so he, being a man of no means at that time, gambled his way (with his young family in tow) back to Nebraska to earn enough money to get back home.

Don worked for Ryder Construction, City of Gordon, where he kept the cemetery in immaculate condition, hence the nickname Digger. Don and Chuck Ladley partnered together to purchase the Western Bar (this is now Essence Flower Shop). The partnership dissolved when Don built the Wagon Wheel Liquor store (currently Side Track Liquor Store). Don retired from the liquor business at the age of 49. He kept busy with land he purchased by the Niobrara River where he farmed and raised cattle along with the small acreage two miles south of Gordon at the home, he and LynnDell built.

Don and LynnDell raised five children, Donell (Lonnie) Tausan, Jonett Jamie) Drake, Travis (Sherri) Benson, Daneen (Shelley) Anderson, Kody (Jason) Eisenreich.

The last few years of Don’s life were spent in assisted living facilities in Rapid City, Sd; Valentine, NE; and finally, Rushville, NE.

Don is survived by his daughters, Donell, Jonett, Daneen and Kody, Brother Blaine Benson of Valentine, sister Marlene Benson of Sioux Falls, SD. Eleven grandchildren, Seth (Ashlei), Chet (Sam), Shae (Chris), Riley (Mandy), Prairie, Turee (Brittany), Emmie (Jaret), Broc (Jordan), Jayc (Danielle), Bryce and Logan, 22 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, wife LynnDell, son Travis, nephew Jerry and sister-in-law Patsy.

Graveside Services will be Saturday September 6th at the Gordon Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Gordon American Legion.