Phyllis C. Benson

Madison - Phyllis Carol Benson passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023, one week shy of her 92nd birthday.  She was born November 12, 1931 in Belvedere, Illinois, the daughter of Clarence and Dora (Hopperstad) Holmes.  She was a graduate of Capron High School and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Phyllis taught vocal music in Lancaster, Reedsburg, and West Allis, WI before her marriage to Dr. Donald L. Benson, DDS on June 28, 1958.  They worked together in their dental office until his retirement and she then continued to work with Dr. Wayne Hanson, DDS until she retired herself.

Phyllis was active in St. James Lutheran Church, participating many years as choir director and in the women’s circle.  She enjoyed playing piano, reading, playing bridge, and finding any reason to entertain and throw a party.

Phyllis and Don spent many wonderful vacations traveling with family and friends to their Canadian cabin, their winter retreat in Mesa, AZ, and their special spot on St. George Island, FL.  In their camper, they visited every state in the US and enjoyed camping excursions each summer with the Cheerful Charlie gang.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Don, her brother Kenneth Holmes, and many close friends.  She is survived by her sister-in-laws, Sally Jo (Carlson) Holmes of Mesa, AZ and Sally Jo (Benson) Pfrang of Madison, many special nieces and nephews, her Godchildren, Susan (Zingg) Leadholm, Gregory Holmes, and Douglas Pfrang, and her life-long friend and neighbor, JoAnn Zingg.

A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at St. James Lutheran Church, 427 S. Main Street, Verona, WI with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, the Verona Public Library, or the charity of your choice.

“God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be. 

So He put His arms around you and whispered ‘Come to me’. 

A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands now rest.  

God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.”