Joseph Benton

MADISON- Joseph Lee Benton passed away with his family by his side on December 2, 2013 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg. He was born to Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Benton on May 3, 1929 in Appleton.
Joe graduated from St. John's Military Academy in Delafield, Wis in 1948 and from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1953. Joe entered the United States Army, Transportation Corps. as a 2nd LT immediately after college, his first year of service was at Fort Eustis, Virginia in various jobs and his second year of service was spent in South Korea with the Armed Forces Radio Network.
Joe was united in marriage to Lois Steffenhagen in 1958, they enjoyed 55 wonderful years together.
When Joe returned to civilian life, he worked for seven years in the TV broadcasting world working mainly in sales for WBAY-TV in Green Bay, WMBD-TV in Peoria and WITI-TV in Milwaukee. He spent his remaining work life with Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS) in Madison, Appleton and Wausau in many sales related positions for a total of 32 years.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Appleton, Wausau, and Madison. He was also a member of Rotary Clubs in Wausau and Downtown Madison and Covenant Presbyterian Church. He loved spending time with his beloved grandchildren and traveling the world.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his daughter, JoAnn (Craig) Childs of Urbandale, Iowa; and two granddaughters, Amanda and Megan Childs.
A funeral service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Charles Berthoud officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's name to St. John's Military Academy, Covenant Presbyterian Church, The Salvation Army or Agrace HospiceCare.