Steve Benton, 80, of Brodhead, Wisconsin, died Friday, August 19, 2022, at Agrace Hospice Facility in Fitchburg, Wisconsin after a lengthy hospitalization. He was born on April 15, 1942 in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of Harlan and Inez Benton. He graduated from Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology at Platteville with a BS in secondary education. He did Masters Degree work at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in guidance and counseling.
He began his teaching career at BHS in 1964. In 1968 he became the BHS guidance counselor where it is estimated that he was instrumental in channeling nearly 4,000 students into a career path. His work with career development was recognized at the WCDA State Conference in 1998. He was also advisor to the BHS Student Council.
Steve retired from BHS in 1999 but began a second career with Van Galder tour and travel as a guide providing his the passengers with history and background on their destination as well as entertainment with song, witty stories and fun quizzes. In 2001 he began a third career creating Excel Tours LLC with another couple. Steve and Karen worked to plan, contract and host Excel 5th wheel tours. There were 16 tours, each lasting 2 to 3 weeks and involving 25 RV units during which Steve experienced the beauty of our country from Alaska to New York, Pacific NW to Lower Mississippi area and even visit northern neighbors in the Canadian Maritimes.
Their RV allowed Steve and Karen to become snowbirds leaving cold Wisconsin winters for Texas. He was 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.
Steve’s interests were many & varied. He hunted and fished except when the temperatures were too cold. 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 his kids, friends, 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. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to your favorite charity in his name. The DL Newcomer Funeral Home is assisting the family.
www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com 608-897-2484
