Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West

3610 Speedway Road

Madison, Wisconsin

Phyllis Benson Obituary

Phyllis Carol Benson

Nov. 12, 1931 - Nov. 4, 2023

MADISON - Phyllis Carol Benson passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023, one week shy of her 92nd birthday.

She was born November 12, 1931, in Belvedere, IL, the daughter of Clarence and Dora (Hopperstad) Holmes. She was a graduate of Capron High School and St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

Phyllis taught vocal music in Lancaster, Reedsburg, and West Allis, WI, before her marriage to Dr. Donald L. Benson, DDS on June 28, 1958. They worked together in their dental office until his retirement and she then continued to work with Dr. Wayne Hanson, DDS until she retired herself.

Phyllis was active in St. James Lutheran Church, participating many years as choir director and in the women's circle. She enjoyed playing piano, reading, playing bridge, and finding any reason to entertain and throw a party.

Phyllis and Don spent many wonderful vacations traveling with family and friends to their Canadian cabin, their winter retreat in Mesa, AZ, and their special spot on St. George Island, FL. In their camper, they visited every state in the US and enjoyed camping excursions each summer with the Cheerful Charlie gang.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her brother, Kenneth Holmes; and many close friends. She is survived by her sisters-in-law: Sally Jo (Carlson) Holmes of Mesa, AZ, and Sally Jo (Benson) Pfrang of Madison; many special nieces and nephews; her Godchildren: Susan (Zingg) Leadholm, Gregory Holmes, and Douglas Pfrang; and her life-long friend and neighbor, JoAnn Zingg.

A celebration of Phyllis's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at St. James Lutheran Church, 427 S. Main Street, Verona, WI, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, the Verona Public Library, or the charity of your choice.

"God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "Come to me." A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands now rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best."

Cress Funeral Service

3610 Speedway Rd.

Madison, WI 53705

608-238-3434

www.cressfuneralservice.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Madison.com on Nov. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Benson

Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Gail Shorten

December 2, 2023

Phyllis, my friend, forever grateful for the fun times and memories! Gail and Rick Shorten.

The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

November 18, 2023

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Marcia Kasieta

November 12, 2023

What a wonderful and gracious lady. She will be missed by so many.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Phyllis Benson's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Phyllis Benson

Dec

2

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. James Lutheran

WI

Dec

2

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

St. James Lutheran Church

427 S. Main Street, Verona, WI

Funeral services provided by:

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West

3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705

How to support Phyllis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Phyllis Benson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more