Doug Benjamin

Minot

Doug Benjamin, 74, Minot, died peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025 in a Minot hospital from heart related complications.

Douglas Lyle Benjamin was born on September 29, 1950 in Minot to Curtis and Mary Ann (Nickelson) Benjamin. He was raised and educated in Minot.

Doug enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 24, 1967. Upon completion of his training, he was stationed in Fort Stewart, GA before receiving his orders to Vietnam in November of 1968 to November 1969.

During his enlistment he served in Fort Benning GA , Fort Dix, NJ as well as Frankfurt, Germany.

Doug received the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 2 OS Bars, Good Conduct Medal, and a Bronze Star Medal for valor and this is how his citation reads:

On February 27, 1969, Specialist 5 Douglas Benjamin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry. On that date, Landing zone Bronco came under an intense enemy mortar and rocket attack.In the initial enemy barrage, Specialist Benjamin moved with his comrades to the safety of a protective bunker. As the attack continued Specialist Benjamin heard a call for help from a wounded soldier one hundred meters from his position. Taking immediate action, Specialist Benjamin, with complete disregard for his personal safety, braved the impacting enemy rounds as he rushed to the position of the wounded man. Despite the hostile fire impacting all around him, Specialist Benjamin carried his wounded comrade to an empty bunker and administered first aid to the soldier. His timely and courageous actions were instrumental in saving the life of his fellow soldier. Specialist Five Benjamin’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, The Americal Division, and the United States Army.

Doug was discharged on November 21, 1973. He returned to Minot following his discharge.

Doug married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Diederich on June 8, 1979, in Minot. They made their home in Minot where they raised their 3 children.

Doug drove for various trucking companies over the years. He retired from A H Newman in 2015. After retirement, he continued to drive seasonally for Gange Farms for several years because he loved to drive and loved to help people.

Doug was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and served as the Minot Chapter 4 Commander for three years before becoming the State DAV Commander during the past year. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #753 and American Legion Post #26 both in Minot, as well as the NDSU Teammakers.

Doug loved hosting events with his family and friends because they all meant the world to him. Whether it was having a BBQ, fish fry or just getting the family together just because they were all in the area. He loved being surrounded by his family and especially his grandchildren, attending as many activities as he could to support them.

Doug enjoyed golfing, fishing, driving fast and his new Mustang, but he was most passionate about NDSU Bison football. His collection of Bison memorabilia is like no other and he would never back down at an auction for Bison football items if he didn’t have it already and he wanted it. Even if he didn’t realize he was bidding against someone who was trying to buy it for him.

Doug’s loving family includes his wife of 46 years Kathy; children: Clifford (DeeDee) Frothinger of Velva, Michael (Tamara) Benjamin of Minot and Jennifer (Earl) Manders of Ty Ty, Georgia; grandchildren:Kera, Breanne, Jonathan, Breanna and Hunter: 8 great grandchildren: brothers: Kenneth Benjamin of Minot, Steven Benjamin of Turtle Lake, Charles Benjamin of Bismarck and James Benjamin of Hillsboro and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Melvin, Deborah and Ruby.

Celebration of the Life of Doug Benjamin: Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 11 a.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church – Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park – Minot.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot.

Memorials are preferred to the DAV or VFW.

Published by The Minot Daily News July 8, 2025.