Donna Mae (Thompson) Benson, 84, of Mabel, died Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Gundersen Harmony Care Center in Harmony, where she had been for a short time.
Donna was born June 8, 1941, in La Crosse, Wis., to Arnold and Minerva (Topness) Thompson. She attended school in Peterson, Minn., and graduated from Central High School in La Crosse. Donna was married to Jim Lowers. They had a daughter, Karen. They later divorced. On December 14, 1970, she married Richard Benson in Watertown, S. Dak. She worked with insurance for a few years in St. Paul and at the bank in Mabel. She later worked at Rush Products until retiring. She then decided staying home wasn’t her thing and became a bartender at the Mabel Liquor Store for many years.
Donna was a member of the Mabel First Lutheran Church and American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, cooking, flowers, her pets she had over the years, and visiting with family and friends. Donna formed lasting relationships and cherished her friends and family.
Donna is survived by her husband Richard of Mabel, daughter-in-law Cris Kellas, stepgrandchildren Tony and Ben, and seven step-great-grandchildren, all of Rochester; sisters Julie (Jim) Thompson Hakes and Alda (Stephen) Thompson Korte, both of La Crescent; brother Kevin (Jennifer) Thompson of Detroit Lakes, sister-in-law Judith Thompson, uncle Duane (Elvie) Thompson, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Minerva, her daughter Karen, and brother Alton “Tony” Thompson.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at the Mabel First Lutheran Church. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 11 and one hour prior to the service at the Mabel First Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Mabel First Lutheran Cemetery. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.
Memorials may be donated to Mabel First Lutheran Church, Mabel Legion Auxiliary, or Paws and Claws Animal Shelter in Rochester, Minn.
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