Donald L. Benisek, age 92, of Sidney, NE passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026 surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 6, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at Light Memorial Presbyterian Church with Pastor Tom Waddell officiating.
Friends may stop by the Gehrig-Stitt chapel to leave their condolences for the family on Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 1-6 P.M. with family present from 4-6 P.M. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Alliance, NE at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Light Memorial Presbyterian Church or the Sidney Congregate meals.
You may view Donald's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service. LLC is in charge of Donald's care and funeral arrangements. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website.
Don was born September 4, 1934 to Louie and Bernice Benisek in Ravenna, NE. He attended Elementary school there to the 7th grade before moving to Alliance. In Alliance, Don graduated high school in 1953. After graduating high school, he worked for North Western Bell Phone Company as a lineman. The Air Force called in August and Don was trained in electronics. Later he was given top secret clearance and sent to Germany. His assignment was to fly weather balloons from Germany, over the Soviet Union, to Japan. In 1957, he returned to civilian life, and returned to work at Bell Telephone as a lineman. Don met the love of his life in 1958. He and Clara were married in 1959. They lived in Alliance until he was transferred to McCook, NE and later transferred to the Trenton, NE office in 1960. In October 1965, they transferred to Sidney, NE where he worked for Long Distance Toll Office. After 48 years with the telephone company, Don retired.
Don was an avid Husker fan, a 60-year member of the American Legion, a member of the Sidney Elks Lodge and participated in the Lodgepole Valley Camping Club. He enjoyed his children's and grandchildren's sports activities. Don took pride in his family and had many fun adventures with them. He enjoyed neighbors and friends and was loved by many! Don was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and loved them deeply.
Don is survived by his wife, Clara. His children included: Carolyn (Brian) Cornelius, Glendale, AZ, Karmen (Jeff) Hammond, Sidney NE., Kristi (Jeff) Green, Lincoln, NE., Corey (Maria) Benisek, Omaha, NE. Grandchildren are Danae (Jeremy) Narjes, Jason (Adrianna) Cornelius, Taylor (Molly) Cornelius, Daniel Hammond, Jacob Green, Jon (Nicole) Green, Amanda (Zach) Janssen, Gamareca Henry, and Ethan Scott. He also has 5 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by a son (Donald Duane), his parents (Louie & Bernice), a brother (William), and sister and brother-in-law (Louise and Henry (Hank) Fritzler), his in-laws (Clarence and Helen Rowley), John & Brenda Rowley, Gordan Wendler, Leonard Green, and Phil Turner.