"Coach Tom Bennett was my shot put and discus coach from 1965-1968 for the UW Badger track team. He was a dear friend, a father figure, a diligent and patience coach and, of course, an overall wonderful person to me. The 1966 shot put team under Coach Bennett (Bob Hawke, Don Bliss and Jim Deforest) won 1st, 3rd and 5th place in the shot put during the 1967 Indoor Big Ten Track Championship (held in Madison) which helped propel UW to win the overall Big Ten Meet all due to Coach Bennett. In 1968, my mother passed away two week before the Big Ten Indoor meet. Coach Bennett was already a great supporter in my life (since my dad passed away in high school) and at my request let me drive from my home in Pennsylvania following my mom?s funeral to compete at the Big Ten Indoor Championship Meet in Columbus, Ohio where again the UW Badgers won the meet and the Big Ten Indoor Championship. I later went on to receive a Master?s and a PhD in Veterinary Parasitology at UW which changed the course of my life completely. Coach Bennett and the Badger Sports? family gave me the desire and courage to continue and succeed. Coach Bennett will always be an important part of our family. May God Bless Coach Tom and I give my sincerest condolences to the Tom Bennett family. "
In loving memory of
Thomas C. Bennett
October 28, 1923 - July 6, 2019
Thomas Coel Bennett, age 95, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 6, 2019. He was born on October 28, 1923 to Earl W. and Agnes E. (Coel) Bennett in Green Bay, WI. He had five siblings. He served his country in Patton's Third Army in World War II, European Theatre. He received his Bachelor's & Master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After his college education he began his career as a professor in the physical education department and served on coaching staffs of football, track and field, cross country and golf at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was an All-American in Track (1949) and was inducted into the UW-Athletics Hall of Fame. He was joined in marriage to Mary Lou Kraemer in 1950. He is survived by his wife, his four children, Tom (Kathie) Bennett, Anne (Doug Driskell) Bennett, Beth (Mike) Eaves, Jennifer (Arthur) Sexauer, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. There will be a private family burial.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the attending physicians, nurses and staff at UW-Hospital and Agrace Hospice.
Donations may be made in his honor to Bethel Horizons, 312 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, 53703. http://www.bethelhorizons.org/
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434
Tributes
"Dr. Don Bliss on July 26, 2019 Coach Tom Bennett was my shot put and discus coach from 1965-1968 for the UW Badger track team. He was a dear friend, a father figure, a diligent and patience coach and, of course, an overall wonderful person to me. The 1966 shot put team under Coach Bennett (Bob Hawke, Don Bliss and Jim Deforest) won 1st, 3rd and 5th place in the shot put during the 1967 Indoor Big Ten Track Championship (held in Madison) which helped propel UW to win the overall Big Ten Meet all due to Coach Bennett. In 1968, my mother passed away two week before the Big Ten Indoor meet. Coach Bennett was already a great supporter in my life (since my dad passed away in high school) and at my request let me drive from my home in Pennsylvania following my mom?s funeral to compete at the Big Ten Indoor Championship Meet in Columbus, Ohio where again the UW Badgers won the meet and the Big Ten Indoor Championship. I later went on to receive a Master?s and a PhD in Veterinary Parasitology at UW which changed the course of my life completely. Coach Bennett and the Badger Sports? family gave me the desire and courage to continue and succeed. Coach Bennett will always be an important part of our family. May God Bless Coach Tom and I give my sincerest condolences to the Tom Bennett family. "
"Tom Bennett was the finest man and best coach I have ever been associated with during my entire sports career!His approach to sports and demeanor was a key reason for the success of so many UW athletes in sports and in life! A true Hall Of Fame man who I will never forget! Stu Voigt"
"So sorry for your loss. Me Bennett was so respected and an incredible athlete and coach. My most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. "
"Hold memories close and family closer as you go through this difficult time. Thinking of you. ~ Joan Tipple and Family"
"I wish to extend my most sincere sympathy to the Bennett family in the loss of their dear Tom. I sang in the Bethel choir with Mary Lou many years ago & knew them as a wonderful family. I remember when Beth was dating Mike Eaves as he often came to church with them.& came down to the choir room. I have fond memories of Tom & Mary Lou's friendliness & kindness. God bless them all at this sorowful time."
"Tom sorry to hear about your father. I know it's past Time,but I will blow my Shofar in tribute to him. News, It takes time to get to SC. Just wanted to pay respects to you and your family. Scott Wille"
"Curiosity question. Is this the Tom Bennett, son of Tom C., that I taught with at Orchard Ridge Middle School? What a legacy in this family for UW-Madison. Such a solid reputation in education. My sympathies to you and yours in this time ofmemory sharing. William E Kuenzi Jr. Math Teacher 1963-1974. ORJH/ORMS"