Thomas Benson

Thomas Benson

August 23, 1947 - March 22, 2023

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Obituary

Madison - Thomas Frederick “Tom” Benson was taken from his family by an unexpected, catastrophic heart attack, at home on March 22nd, 2023.

Born in Elkhorn, WI, on August 23rd, 1947, Tom was the youngest child of Benjamin Benson, Sr., & Evelyn Christensen.

Tom graduated from Delavan-Darien High School in 1965. He served as a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force from 1967-1970. He graduated from Madison Area Technical College in 1973.

Tom became a multi-award-winning Class A PGA Golf Professional in 1977 and eventually, a PGA Lifetime Member. Tom served the Wisconsin golf community at Maple Bluff Country Club (1974-1977), Baraboo Country Club (1978-1980), Monona & Glenway (1981-1984), Odana Hills (1985-2012), Nine Springs (2013-2014), and Cherokee Country Club/TPC Wisconsin (2015-2023).

Tom’s greatest pride was the work he did with junior golfers, including coaching, individual and group lessons, tournament preparation, and particularly, the youth program at Odana Hills, which had over 200 participants annually, with students playing at all levels, from local to national. He was also honored to be a mentor for several apprentices who went on themselves to become PGA Head Professionals at various courses, public and private, throughout Wisconsin. His very fondest memories came from all he knew from his years of golf.

Tom is survived by his Wife of 50 years, Sandra (Sturn) Benson; his Daughter, Anne Benson; Brother, Benjamin “Skip” Benson Jr.; Sister, Germaine Leichtenberg; In-Laws [Donald, Peggy (Milne), Suzanne, Robert (Strayer), Debra], many Nieces and Nephews, and two Granddogs.

As his brother, Skip said, Tom “had a big heart, a pure heart. He had a great sense of humor, and always saw the best in people, unless they showed him something otherwise. He loved his country, but always wished we could do better.” As his friend, Mike Duesterbeck said, “We all live and we all die, and Tom had a wonderful life.”

The Benson family would like to give special thanks to Jack Conrad, with whom Tom completed his apprenticeship, at Maple Bluff Country Club, and Dennis Tiziani, at TPC Wisconsin, for giving Tom the opportunity to finish the final chapter of his golf career at a world class PGA country club, with a crew he truly loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held this Spring or Summer of 2023. Details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please send Memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital; Shriners Hospitals for Children; the charitable organization that his Daughter, Anne, volunteers for, This Old Horse (Hastings, MN); or the rescues his Granddogs came from, The American Humane Society or Ruff Start Rescue (Princeton, MN).

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 5701 Odana Rd 608-274-1000

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Dave Jaquish
Other •
I met Tom when he started his golf career in 1972 at MBCC. We has a lot of fun working at going to Caravellos sometimes after work. We also had some friendly 'bets' on a daily basis. Will it rain. When will this group be finished. He built a great working environment. He also had an influence on me becoming a PGA professional. And now I'm watching the Masters and thinking about him. RIP Tom.
TK
Todd King
Other •
Deepest sympathies Sandy and Anna, I'm sure you know you were Tom's world and he was so proud of both of you. I was lucky to know all of you and benefitted very much from Tom's guidance and caring. Rest easy old friend and thank you for your dedication to the game, the PGA and your team over many glorious years 💪.
GS
Greg Smith
Other •
Tom was a remarkable person. We met through golf and had many discussions on Golf technology. His memory will be carried well beyond our lifetimes.
TS
Tom Stalowski
Other •
Tom told me once that he had the job that he's always wanted when he was head pro at Odana Hills. I remember seeing him on the practice green with a bunch of kids not only teaching technique but more importantly teaching etiquette. Finding what you truly love can take a lifetime. Tom was lucky to have found that out early and he knew it well. Deepest sympathy to Sandy and family.
BR
Bernie Rongstad
Other •
So sorry for your loss.
BC
Betsy Conrad
Other •
Tom was a joy to have as an Assistant at Maple Bluff. He was a hard worker with a strong work ethic. And his wonderful sense of humor made him fun to be around. I imagine that he and Jack have already picked up their philosophical discussions where they left off many years ago. I send Sandy and Anne my sincere condolences. Betsy Conrad

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