Donald R. Bienfang

Donald R. Bienfang, a longtime resident of Blue Springs, Mo., passed away Saturday, January 2, at St. Mary’s Manor in Blue Springs.

 

He was born on June 29, 1930 to Elgin (Buster) and Ivadean (Schuck) Bienfang and was a member of the class of 1948. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Kansas City and began his 40 year career with the AK Steel corporation. On March 17, 1956, he was united in marriage to Ruth, the love of his life. She passed away on March 13, 2017, just 4 days from celebrating their 61st anniversary. Don served 30 years with the Navy reserves and after retirement he enjoyed the friendships he made while being a guard at the Lake City Defense Plant in Blue Springs. Don enjoyed traveling and spent many winters with a camping club in Yuma, Arizona.

 

He is survived by one son, Steven Bienfang of Blue Springs, brother Gary and sister-in-law Judy Bienfang of Grundy Center. Also, sisters-in-law, Suzan Bienfang of Dike, Iowa and Lois Jean Bienfang of Des Moines, Iowa, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three older brothers, Leo, Jack, and Jim along with sister-in-law Anna Mae Bienfang. Don was a simple man of few words who required very little. One of his greatest joys was visiting his hometown of Grundy Center. A private burial was held at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, Mo.