Ralph Benjamin

Fitchburg - Ralph M. Benjamin, Jr., age 85, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 8, 2013, at Agrace HospiceCare after a battle with colon cancer.

Ralph was born on August 22, 1928, in Graceville, Minnesota, the son of Ralph M. Benjamin, Sr. and Viola Benjamin (Chelgren). He grew up in Lake Traverse, South Dakota, where his family owned and operated Mindt Resort, where he shared hunting and fishing experiences with his stepfather, Albert Mindt. Ralph graduated from Sisserton, South Dakota, High School in 1946. Shortly after, Ralph served his country in the United States Army as a paratrooper during WWII and was stationed in Japan during the occupation.

Ralph moved to North Dakota in 1948 to pursue a plumbing career. In 1951, he moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where he was employed by Hyland Hall, Inc. in the construction of the Veterans Hospital. Later, he worked for Golden Plumbing Co. In 1962, Ralph founded Benjamin Plumbing, Inc., growing it into a very successful business.

An avid animal lover, Ralph was a very humble man. Highly selfless, he always
put others before himself. Without being asked, he was a helping hand to anyone who needed it. When Ralph took time away from work, he and his wife headed up north to Minocqua, where they enjoyed many special friends and neighbors. Ralph was a cherished husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Diane Benjamin of Fitchburg, and his two faithful companion pets, Beau and Tyler; children, David (Kathleen) Benjamin of McFarland, Ralph Lee (Mary) Benjamin of Brooklyn, Paul (Judy Hagen) Benjamin of Evansville, Dale (Jean) Benjamin of Belleville, Bob Benjamin of Deerfield, Terry Benjamin of Verona, Julie (Dennis) Maier of Brooklyn, Jane (Mike) Johnson of Brooklyn; step children LeeAnn (Mike Smith) Cooper of Sauk City, Rick (Barb Tomter) Cooper of Verona, Kellie (John) McDaniels of MN; 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather.

There will be a gathering in celebration of Ralph's life on Saturday, October 5, 2013, from 2 p.m.to 6 p.m. at The Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for the kind and gentle care they provided Ralph. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ralph's name may be made to the Humane Society, 5132 Voges Rd, Madison, WI 53718, and Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI 53711. Please share your memories of Ralph at www.cressfuneralservice.com