John A. Benedict

OREGON - John Arthur Benedict, aged 79, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, at Skaalen Home in Stoughton. He was born on Aug. 6, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Durell and Lenore (Stolen) Benedict. He grew up in his family home on Lake Waubesa in the Town of Dunn. John graduated from Oregon High School in 1962 and married his high school sweetheart, Ann (Champion), on July 9, 1966. Together, they established their home and raised their three children in Oregon and celebrated 58 years of marriage earlier this month. John and Ann enjoyed traveling together and spending time at their cabin in northern Wisconsin. John worked in a leadership role at CUNA Mutual in Madison for 25 years, working on many of their large accounts. His kind and thoughtful nature and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Faith and service were integral parts of John’s life. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oregon, serving as council president and treasurer. He also served as the treasurer of the Oregon Area Historical Society.  John dedicated over 50 years to freemasonry as a member and past master of the Oregon Masonic Lodge No. 151, Barnes Lodge No. 365, Scottish Rite and Zor Shrine. In 1998 he received his 33rd degree distinction in Cincinnati, Ohio. John was also a proud alumnus of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps where he spent many summers practicing and performing.

Above all, John loved spending time with his family, especially at their cabin.  He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan and always looked forward to attending their track meets, basketball, baseball, and football games where he proudly wore his red Sun Prairie Cardinals baseball cap.  John also enjoyed attending Wisconsin Badgers basketball and football games with his family and was a season ticket holder for many years. The family frequently gathered to watch the Badgers as well as Packers football games.

John is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Peter Benedict, Sarah Benedict, and Paul (Natasha) Benedict; and grandchildren, Laura Benedict and John “LJ” Benedict. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Durell and Lenore Benedict; and in-laws, Norman and Pauline Champion.

A Memorial Service will be held at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 625 E. Netherwood St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, with Pastor Wendy Moen presiding.  Burial will take place at Prairie Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, with a Rose and Salt Service beginning at 5:45 p.m. followed by a Masonic Service. An additional visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

Memorials may be gifted in John’s name to Agrace HospiceCare or St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oregon.

The family would like to thank the staff at Skaalen Home and Agrace for their tender care of John in his final months.  They treated him like he was their own family. A special thank you to Ken, Sue, and Amanda for their weekly visits, conversation, coffee and treats. John always looked forward to their time together. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515