Steve Benton

Brodhead - Steve Benton, 80, of Brodhead, WI, died Friday, August 19, 2022, at Agrace in Fitchburg, WI, after Surgical complications & lengthy hospitalizations. He was born April 15, 1942 in Maquoketa, IA, the son of Harlan and Inez Benton. He attended high school in Elwood, IA. He graduated from Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology at Platteville with a BS in secondary education & did Masters Degree work at the UW - Madison in guidance and counseling. In 1964 he began his teaching career at BHS as a US government and driver’s education instructor. In 1968 he took on the roll of guidance counselor becoming instrumental in channeling nearly 4,100 students into a career path. His work with career development was recognized at the state conference of The Wisconsin Career Development Association in 1998. He was also advisor to the BHS Student Council which included the execution of homecoming activities including the parade. Steve attended the Reppert School of Auctioneering in 1975. Though trained as an auctioneer he found it more fun to just sing the Auctioneer Song but served as auctioneer for several benefit auctions. Throughout his life Steve was an avid hunter and fisherman taking yearly trips with friends with like interest. After his retirement from BHS in 1999, boredom and winter’s cold temperatures drove him to seek a second career. Van Galder tour and travel out of Janesville hired him as a bus tour guide. He was always a teacher so he provided his bus passengers with history and background on the destination place but also entertained passengers with song, witty stories and fun quizzes. In 2001 an RV tour to Alaska with his 5th wheel started him on a third career; this time tour guiding with an RV. Along with another couple, Steve and Karen worked to plan, contract and host Excel 5th wheel tours. Each tour lasted about 2 weeks and involved leading 25 RV units (50 people) to various parts of the country. These 16 tours were another way to experience the beauty of our country from Alaska to New York and even visit our neighbors to the north in the Canadian Maritimes. That 5th wheel RV also allowed Steve and Karen to leave Wisconsin’s winters for warmth in southern Texas. Along with 7 other couples they completed a tight group of LEOs (LEO stands for Let’s Eat Out which they did often). He was also a charter member of the Excel of Wisconsin RV club; camping all over the state every spring and fall. Forever friendships were formed through the 5th wheel that continued to today. Among Steve’s many interests was the love of working with wood. In his basement shop he turned many bowls and vases out of local as well as exotic kinds of wood. With his lathe he made decorative as well as useful rolling pins for friends, his kids and all of his nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Jaycees, the Brodhead Lions, Brodhead United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. He enjoyed playing cards at the Senior Center and on poker nights with the guys. Steve also drove for Meals on Wheels. He is survived by his wife, Karen, 2 sons Rob (Jessica) of Wausau and Ian of Madison, 2 grandsons Harrison and Felix, a sister Mary Lee Halderson (John) of Phoenix AZ, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dick and Tom. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Brodhead United Methodist Church from 9 to 11 immediately followed by a memorial service with luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to your favorite charity in his name. The DL Newcomer Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorial services will be live casted online. Please visit at 11 AM https://www.facebook.com/brodheadumc www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com 608-897-2484

Steve Benton

April 15, 1942 - August 19, 2022