Teodoro "Teddy" Benitez

Teodoro "Teddy" Benitez III October 12, 1936 – August 3, 2026 Teodoro "Teddy" Benitez, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on August 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on October 12, 1936, Teddy lived a life marked by love, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to his family and craft. In the early days of their marriage, Teddy made one of the proudest decisions of his life by moving to the United States with his wife Rose, his brother Luis, and sons Carlos and Edwin. They settled in Madison, Wisconsin, on the city's North side, where Teddy poured his heart into building a new life for his family. His journey was a testament to his unwavering determination and commitment to providing his loved ones with a brighter future. Teddy was the cherished son of Maria Marroquin and Dr. Teodoro Benitez II. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Olga, and his beloved wife, Rose Ruiz, with whom he shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. Together, Teddy and Rose built a life overflowing with love and laughter, nurturing a family that would grow to include four devoted children: Carlos (Christine), Edwin (Margaret), Robert (JoAnna), and Diana (Kari). A talented chef by profession, Teddy spent over 25 years at the Edgewater hotel where he started as a Cook, Chef and Executive Chef where he was Madison's Chef to the Stars. He then followed by more than a decade at Ho-Chunk, before retiring in 2015. Throughout his career, he was renowned not only for his culinary skills but also for his generous spirit, mentoring countless young chefs and cooks. His legacy in the kitchen is one of passion, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. Teddy's life was further enriched by his role as a grandfather to Angela, Jessica, Reese, Chloe, Amanda, Alexis, and Anna, as well as a great-grandfather to seven precious great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his brother, Luis Yudice, His family was his greatest joy, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Agrace for their compassionate care during Teddy's final days. Their support provided comfort and peace not only to Teddy but to his family. Teddy's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and resilience. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and an unwavering dedication to those he held dear. His memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.