Thomas Mark Bennyhoff

Bennyhoff, Thomas M, age 61 of Maple Grove passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones on February 2, 2023. He was preceded in death by grandparents, his father Stanley, his brother Steven, his Mother in law Sharon Nelson, and his dogs Chip and Ruby. Tom was a military veteran and worked for the Minnesota Air National Guard for 37 years. He traveled the world and was deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait 2 different times after 9/11. After retiring from the military he started a new side gig that ended up lasting 6 years. He learned how to do tile work and remodeled many kitchens, entryways, bathrooms, and living rooms. This was a craft that he really enjoyed and he took pride in the great work that he did. Tom had many pastimes and hobbies that he carried with him his entire life, starting back when he was very small. Always a lover of guns, he was an avid hunter and went whenever he could. Whether it be taking the dogs to the game farm, hunting northern Minnesota with good friends, or going out to Montana. He also loved fishing, cars, and motorcycles, teaching himself to play the guitar and the piano, listening to music, and camping. If he didn't have 5 projects going at once, there was a problem! Spending time at the family cabin was top of the list of his loves and time spent there making memories was something that made him happy. Tom earned the rank of Eagle Scout at 17, which was something that he was very proud of. This made him a 3rd generation Eagle Scout. The Boy Scout way stuck with him his entire life and he was back to being active in scouts as soon as Kyle was able to join when he was 6. Tom stayed with the troop long after Kyle received his Eagle rank. He helped many scouts over the years with their Eagle projects and spoke at many court of honor ceremonies. Tom was also a member of the Osseo/Maple Grove American Legion Post 172. Tom was always a fun-loving man and had so many friends. He was always so friendly and would talk to anyone, anywhere. He always said that "People are interesting! I love hearing what people have to say!" He never hesitated to help a friend in need, no matter what the task. His gracious spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. The positivity that Tom showed after his initial cancer diagnosis in January of 2022 was truly amazing and remarkable. Never once did he have a "poor me" attitude. He was going to do whatever the doctors and nurses asked him to do, and he was going to beat it. Tom went to every appointment, ER visit, hospital stay, CT scan, MRI, lab draws, radiation, and 12 cycles of chemotherapy with strength, smiles, thankfulness, and grace. He fought so very hard until the very end. He was very tired of fighting at this point, and his last breath was so very quiet and peaceful. Tom's absolute greatest joy was his family. His children were his pride and joy. He attended every sporting event, piano recital, dance recital, scouting event, camping trip, school conference, volunteered for field trips, and hosted pasta parties. Tom was a wonderful husband, father, son, uncle, and friend. Tom is survived by his wife Sandra of 26 years, son Kyle, daughter Makenzie, mother Nancy Haughdahl, father in law Roger Nelson, brother-in-law and sister in law David and Angela Nelson, 2 nieces, 2 nephews, 1 great nephew, 3 great nieces, 4 cousins, and many many amazing friends. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 10th at Advent Lutheran Church. 9475 Jefferson Highway, Maple Grove. Visitation starts at 10 am, which is one hour prior to the service. Internment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date with military honors.