Donald Benthusen

Donald passed peacefully on April 16, 2022. He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Sandra, and is survived by three daughters, Jacque (Dennis), Deanna (Greg) and Cydni (Mike). He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Donald was born and raised in Illinois by his parents, Donald and Carolyn, along with his sister, Bonnie, and brother, Tom. Donald and Sandra began dating in high school and were married a year after Sandra graduated from high school. They started their married life in Fort Worth, Texas for a year and then it was on to California where they would raise their three daughters. After retiring, Donald and Sandra moved to Arizona for 15 years but came back to California 5 years ago to be closer to family.

Donald worked for a National Nuclear Security Administration research and development laboratory, retiring at the age of 60 to build a log cabin up in the mountains. With the help of his son-in-law and a contractor to occasionally guide him, he realized this dream and was very proud of the accomplishment.

Traveling was something Donald loved to do. He made it a point to take his family and travel back to Illinois each year to visit and reconnect with family. He also bought a motorhome to take his family on a trip along the entire east coast (and points in between) for the National Bicentennial, so that the family could learn about our nation’s history. He spent hours planning many trips in his motorhome and then would have many many stories of his adventures. After retiring, Donald started traveling by cruise ship, enjoying many ports of call. He was adventurous and a wonderful tour guide.

Donald was also an avid ham radio operator. Over the years he connected with people around the world, and when needed, would help by relaying information by radio when other forms of communications were unavailable, such as during weather or other types of emergencies. This was also a way to keep in touch with many of his friends. In addition to ham radio, he would look forward to Skyping with two of his buddies every morning.

Donald has now reunited with his high school sweetheart. Donald, you are missed terribly and forever in our hearts.