Jerome A. Benisch, age 85, died on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Columbus Health and Rehab. He was born on January 1, 1939 to Oliver and Anna (Link) Benisch in Columbus. Jerome married the love of his life Mary Gilbertson on October 14, 1961 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, East Bristol. Together they raised 6 children on the family farm they first purchased in 1963.

Jerome loved farming. He spent countless hours in the field raising tobacco, making many good memories with the help from family, neighbors and friends. He enjoyed being on the tractor working his farmland and in a combine harvesting his many crops.

Jerome was an avid outdoorsman enjoying his time hunting on the farm, up north at the 3 B's Hideaway and in Wyoming.  He was a big fan of racing, sharing time at the track with family and friends at the Daytona 500, Indy 500 and Sunday night midgets at Angell Park Speedway.

God needed another good farmer to tend to the fields in heaven and called you home. We will always treasure your devoted love to God and family and thank you for teaching us how to serve one another with kindness and gratitude.

Jerome is survived by his wife Mary Benisch of Rio; children Danny (Nancy) Benisch of Rio, Colleen (Chuck) Coyle of DeForest, Lori (Bill) Toutant of Rio, Daren (Mary) Benisch of Columbus, Daryl (Courtney) Benisch of Sun Prairie, Anthony (Jodi) Benisch of Columbus; 12 grandchildren Stephanie (Bob) Laidlow, Amanda (Ryan) Kartos, Melanie Benisch, Alexa (Travis) Johnson, Kelsey (Trent) Pickarts, Taylor Felicijan, Tesa Benisch, Jordyn Toutant, Jeromy Toutant, Marli Felicijan, Michaela Benisch, Mason Benisch; eight great grandchildren Miles, Gannon, Jordy, Trey, Eli, Blaine, Abby, Tia; brother John Benisch of Pittsville; many other relatives, friends and neighbors. Thank you Gary and Darla Spielman for bringing laughter to each visit.

Jerome is preceded in death by his parents; brother Harold; sisters-in-law Sandra Benisch and Joyce Benisch.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 26, 2024 with visitation starting at 10:00 A.M. at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, East Bristol. A visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at JENSEN FUNERAL & CREMATION. Fr. Jerod Holzhuter will officiate. Interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery.

A special thank you for the compassionate care from Drs. Rolf and Sam Poser, the staff and care providers at Prairie Ridge Health, Columbus Health and Rehab and Bristol Hospice.

Memorials may be directed to St Joseph's Building Fund.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Jerome's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com