Michael “Mike” Steven Bentin, age 55, passed away at home with family at his side on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from complications of chronic pneumonia and Vater Syndrome, a birth defect that challenged Mike his entire life. He was born on July 17, 1968, in Madison, WI, entered into the custody of the State of Wisconsin and was eventually adopted at 3 years of age by Steven Bentin and Regina (Hunter) Bentin.

Mike attended elementary school in both Madison and Sun Prairie, Marquette Middle School (now O’Keefe Middle School) in Madison and Madison East High School. After graduating from East, he attended UW-La Crosse for one year before moving to California to live near his mother, Regina, and work in the daycare industry. During this time, he traveled to Russia, visiting Moscow and other memorable places. He then returned to Wisconsin and was employed in daycare before beginning employment with the Madison Metropolitan School District as a special educational assistant at both the elementary and high school levels. He held that position until medical reasons forced him to retire. During his time with MMSD, Mike served as an assistant tennis coach at East, an assistant basketball and softball coach at Madison West and an assistant basketball and softball coach at Vel Phillips Memorial High School.

Vater Syndrome left Mike with many physical challenges which he faced courageously and fearlessly his entire life. He was fiercely independent, a trait that was best seen in his determination to participate in athletics. Prior to high school, Mike played baseball in the Northside Little League in Madison and wrestled in elementary school tournaments. At East High School he participated in basketball, soccer and cross country as well as being the place kicker on the football team in his senior year. His love of sports continued through his coaching as an adult.

Mike was a very compassionate soul, especially with young people. In spite of dealing with chronic pain his entire adult life, he retained an ability to relate to children, especially those with special needs. An avid reader and a collector of team hats from college and professional sports teams, he also enjoyed golfing and watching sports on television. In addition, Mike loved dogs and cats. He helped raise Penny, his family’s first dog, from a puppy and gave a good home to four different cats, three of whom he adopted from the Dane County Humane Society and one he rescued after watching it be thrown from a moving car.

Mike is survived by his parents, Steven Bentin, Maureen McGilligan-Bentin and Regina Mantei. In addition, he will be missed by his brothers, Kyle (Ali) and Jeremy (Ana) as well as nephews Hudson and Rory and niece Nora and his many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jake and Jean Hunter, Bill and Marion McGilligan and Harold and Esther Bentin.

Mike’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to SSM Health doctors Maciej Czechowski (“Dr. C”), Michael Allan and Frank Bendewald for their care and surgical skill in extending Mike’s life in his latter years, the late Dr. Thomas DeMeester at the University of Southern California Medical Center for rebuilding Mike’s digestive system when he was in his early 20’s, and Dr. Megan Haberlein, Dr. Doug Hobson and the nurses and staff in the ICU at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. We especially want to recognize the dedicated floor nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital for their wonderful care during Mike’s often lengthy stays.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Madison Cat Project, 3205 Latham Drive, Madison, WI 53713 https://madisoncatproject.kindful.com/ and or Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Road, Madison, WI 53718 https://www.giveshelter.org/how-to-help/donate

All of us who loved Mike are very proud of how he encouraged and inspired so many over his lifetime to not let physical challenges or being different keep them from experiencing a full life. His remarkable life should be celebrated and remembered!

We miss you, Mike!

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Michael Bentin

July 17, 1968 - July 11, 2024

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