Benjamin Walter (B.W.) Atkinson, M.D.

 Benjamin Walter (B.W.) Atkinson, M.D.

Dr. Benjamin W. Atkinson - beloved gentleman, husband, father and grandfather - boarded his last boat, bound for the far shore, on September 29, 2023.  An amazing human being, Benjamin was born at home in Topeka, Kansas on August 29, 1936, son of Frederick and Ruth (Franklin) and brother of Arnett.  Family has always been Benjamin’s priority followed by education, work and play.  Benjamin studied science and educational administration during his university days in Kansas.  Each summer he drove up to Minnesota to work on the Great Northern Railroad.  When offered a position as a biology teacher at Saint Paul Central High School, he decided to stay.  It was during his time at Saint Paul Central High School that he met the love of his life, Gretchen Hartwich, in 1968.  Benjamin and Gretchen were married a year later. 

Benjamin always dreamt of becoming a medical doctor and after several years of teaching, he was accepted into the University of Minnesota Medical School, graduated, and completed his Family Practice Residency in 1978.  He moved to Madison, Wisconsin, with his young family to work at Group Health Cooperative until his retirement.

Our beloved Benjamin was a devoted father of four beautiful children: Peter, David, Shawn (Kelli) and Maria-Elise (Jeff).  Benjamin was also the loving grandfather of ten beautiful grandchildren, Natalya, Alancea, Lyric, Ivanah, Corey, Anthony, Shawn, Bryson, Quinlynn and Anthony, with whom he shared his home and his heart.  Benjamin will be greatly missed by all his relatives and friends.

A memorial scholarship fund in his name is being established by his fraternity brothers.  Donations may be made to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Madison Alumni Chapter, 7285 Fountain Circle, Middleton WI 53562.

Benjamin’s family would like to extend a special thanks, gratitude and appreciation to all those at Agrace who have cared with great care, as well as all those who have offered support to the family in many different ways.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 12, at Fulton Church in the Town of Fulton.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., memorial service at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will take place at Fulton Cemetery immediately following the service.  Lunch will be served at the church.  Fulton Church, 9209 North Fulton Street, Edgerton, WI 53534, (608) 884-8512.

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