Donald Benda

Donald J. Benda, age 80, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 in his home after a very long battle with congestive heart failure.  Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Friday, November 29 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah. Private Family Inurnment will be at Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah. Donald Joseph Benda was born on October 11th, 1939 in Calmar Iowa, the son of Joseph (Joe) Benda and Margaret (Kudrna) Benda. He attended Calmar High School and graduated in 1957. Upon graduation Don enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. The majority of his service time was spent in Germany. After returning home Don worked at a variety of manual labor jobs before marrying. On November 17th, 1961 he married his rock, Mary Jo Bergsrud. They were married for 54 years. Don and Mary Jo were proud parents of four children: Kirk, Kim, Kallie and Kolice. Don spent the majority of his work life working for UPS. He enjoyed knowing everyone in the community, was a lifelong Cubs fan, loved sports, baking, flowers and hummingbirds. Don is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary Jo on May 22, 2016; and one sister. Don is survived by his four children: Kirk (Jane) Benda of Woodstock, IL, Kim (Sarah) Benda of Rochester, MN, Kallie (Mike) Sheehan of Wausau, WI and Kolice (Cory) Koester of West Des Moines IA; eight grandchildren: Brandon (Kristi) Benda, Brennae (Torrence) Wright, Maggie (fiancé Dan) Benda, Olivia, Emmy, Alexa, Ieden Sheehan and Adison Koester; and three great grandchildren: Brynleigh Benda, Keaston and Kaleigha Wright. The Benda family would like to extend a huge thank you to Jill, Emily, Nancy and all the other wonderful staff at WMC Hospice. Don loved you all! In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the most amazing people at WMC Hospice. WMC Hospice, 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101.