Donald Benish, age 87, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, died on Wednesday morning, March 12, 2025, in his home. He was born on November 8, 1937 in Hillsboro, the son of Joe and Bessie (Hotek) Benish.
After high school, Don enlisted into the U.S. Army, where he later served 2 years of active duty in Korea. After he was discharged from the military, he came home and met the love of his life, Gail Havel of Chicago, Illinois. They were united in marriage on May 22, 1971 in Chicago and moved to a small home Don had saved up to purchase in rural Hillsboro.
Don and Gail welcomed the birth of their first child, Jason Otto Benish, on May 29, 1976. On November 3, 1977, they welcomed the birth of their second son, Steven Donald Benish. Don was a man that looked after his family and was a great father to his boys. They lived a meager life in Hillsboro where the boys grew up with the work ethic, kindness, good morals and love that Don showed them through their lives.
When Don wasn’t helping out friends and family, he would spend time working in the garage, building gadgets and fixing things. Don added several additions to his home over the years, did all the roofing and fixing around the house, managed to keep a rusted out 1965 International Scout running for many years beyond what it should have, and was just an all around jack-of-all-trades. In between all that, Don enjoyed spending time with his family, reading the newspaper and watching MASH religiously.
Don worked for many years at the Hillsboro Farmer’s Co-op where he delivered fuel oil to many families around the Hillsboro area. He always worked hard at his job and cared dearly for his customers, and they cared dearly for him.
Don was extremely friendly and got along with everyone he met. He enjoyed going on trips with his family, helping out others, and most importantly being a dad. Don was the kind of man that would defend his family at all costs. He never backed down from anything and was relentless in his determination to provide a good life for his family. Don was truly a great friend, husband, father and grandfather to all of us and he will be missed greatly.
Don has been reunited in Heaven with his beloved “Cutie,” Gail Benish, who passed away two years prior. Survivors include: two children, Jason (Ann) Benish of Mequon, WI and Steven (Michelle) Benish of Windermere, Florida; four grandchildren: Graham, Nicolas, Kinsley and Nolan; a sister, Helen (Benish) Jindrick and many other beloved relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10 to 11 a.m., with a memorial funeral service at 11 a.m. Following that he will be laid to rest, with his wife, Gail at the Knadle Cemetery, rural Hillsboro, with a military salute. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will take place at the Firemen’s Community Center in Hillsboro from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. We hope that every life Donald touched will be able to attend.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
