Benjamin Benson

Benjamin “Skip” “Boo” A. Benson, age 83, died on Sunday, September 8, 2024, after courageously fighting cancer. Born in Elkhorn, WI on June 16, 1941, to Benjamin Benson and Evelyn Christensen. 

Ben served as a proud veteran of the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963. He was also a dedicated teacher and educator for nearly 50-years, at both Van Hise Middle School and Edgewood College in Madison; and served on the Middleton-Cross Plains School Board for 12-years. 

Ben is survived by his sons, Brandon and Bradford Benson; daughter in-law, Heidi (Romanus) Benson; sister Germain Leichtenberg; step-son and daughter, Scott Halbleib and Angie (Halbleib) Murphy; and eight grandchildren: Theodore, Cassandra, and Reggie Benson; Bennett, Josie, and Davis Halbleib; and Megan and Drew Murphy; and many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom; and wives Marilyn (Stark) Benson and Eilleen Leenar (Wisensel) Halbleib. 

This is Benjamin’s message to all his friends and family:

Thank you to my parents, Ben and Evelyn, for giving me life.

Thank you to my sister Germaine and my brother Tom for not messing me up too much.

Thank you to the many students and parents that I was honored to serve.

Thank you to my friends and associates I laughed and worked with. It was an honor to serve my country for four years in the Air Force. 

Thank you to two special women for loving me and giving the journey flavor and substance. Marilyn Louise Stark and Eileen Mary Wisensel I will love you both for all of eternity!

Thank you Marilyn for two wonderful sons, Brandon and Bradford, who make me proud every day!

Thank you Eileen for a son Scott and a daughter Angie who welcomed me into their lives and significantly enriched my own.

I regret I was unable to participate with Brandon and Heidi’s children because they lived in Oregon. I was thankful that I was able to be an active participant with Scott and Mary’s and Angie and Brian’s children. Grandparenting is beyond awesome! I love all eight of you more than I can ever express.

No man could be more blessed than I and I thank GOD for that!

I pray that all of you I leave behind have a journey as blessed as my own.

LOVE YOU MORE

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 19, 2024 from 12 to 3pm at Maple Bluff Country Club, 500 Kensington Drive, Madison. 

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406