STEVE BENTON

Steve Benton, 80, of Brodhead, died Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, at Agrace Hospice Facility in Fitchburg 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 B.S. in secondary education. He completed Master’s Degree work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in guidance and counseling.

He began his teaching career at Brodhead High School in 1964. In 1968 he became the high school guidance counselor, and it is estimated that he was instrumental in channeling nearly 4,000 students into career paths.

His work with career development was recognized at the WCDA State Conference in 1998. He was also advisor to the high school student council.

He retired from the high school in 1999 and began a second career with Van Galder tour and travel as a guide. He provided his the passengers with history and background on their destinations 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.

He experienced the beauty of the country from Alaska to New York, the Pacific Northwest to the Lower Mississippi area in these tours. He even visited northern neighbors to the United States 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.

His interests were many and varied. He hunted and fished, except when it was 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 children, friends, and all his nieces and nephews.

He was a member of the Jaycees, the Brodhead Lions, and Brodhead United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. He enjoyed playing cards at the Senior Center, as well as on poker nights with his friends. He also drove for Meals on Wheels.

He is survived by his wife Karen; two sons, Rob (Jessica) of Wausau and Ian of Madison; two grandsons, Harrison and Felix; a sister Mary Lee Halderson (John) of Phoenix Ariz,; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dick and Tom.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1, at Brodhead United Methodist Church from 9 to 11. A memorial service will follow immediately afterwards.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to your favorite charity in his name. The DL Newcomer Funeral Home is assisting the family.