BENSON, Donald “Don” Merl of Springfield entered eternal life on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the age of 89 years following a brief battle with pneumonia. Special thanks to Nikki and all the staff of Cox South Hospital Intensive Care Units. Don was born on November 13, 1932 in Barron, Wisconsin. He married his wife, Mavis (nee Folstad) Benson of Rice Lake, Wisconsin in 1952. They moved their family to Springfield in 1968. Don was employed by Gustafson’s Dairy in Rice Lake; Hiland Dairy in Springfield; later by Montgomery Ward; and completed his career with Borden/Meadow Gold Dairy. He was active in the Springfield community, the Lutheran Church, and Bible Study Fellowship. He was preceded in death by his parents Victor & Ella Benson, brother Lemoine (Joyce) Benson, sister Doris (Ralph) Statton, and wife Mavis Benson. He is survived by son Rev. Dr. David M. (Jan) Benson, of Springfield; son Rev. Steven M. (Stephanie) Benson, of Saint Paul, MN; son Thomas M. (Randi-Lyn) Benson, Esq., of Springfield; Grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sarah (Brock) Buerck, Gus & Arlo; Christina (Corey) Martin, Maddox; Emily (Al) Arntzen, Landon; David (Rachel) Benson, Dylan & Mason; Bethany Benson; Anna-Leigh Benson; Cara-Leigh Benson; Abby Benson & husband Adam Lewis; Olivia Benson & fiancé Blake Ast; and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins and other family & dear friends including Dale & Lee Ann Beshears. For the past year Don was a resident at The Gardens in Springfield where he leaves behind many friends and neighbors. Don lived his life with these mottoes: “The reason to do the right thing today, is tomorrow.” And, “Jesus, I Trust You.” A public visitation will be held this Saturday, July 23 from 3 to 5 PM at Greenlawn Funeral Home South 441 W. Battlefield Rd. Funeral services will be at Faith Lutheran Church, 1517 E. Valley Water Mill Road in Springfield today Sunday, July 24 at 4:00 PM (visitation one hour prior) with a dear family friend, Rev. Jeffery Sippy officiating. A time of food and fellowship will follow. Final committal will be Monday, July 25 at 10 AM at Hazelwood Cemetery, 1642 E. Seminole St. “All glory and thanks be to God who gives us the victory over sin and death by His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”