Steven Eugene Benson

Steven Eugene Benson, 59, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at his home in Trabuco Canyon. Steven was born February 12, 1965, in Minot, ND to parents Eugene “Swede” and Delores (Yuly) Benson. His family and friends grieve for his sudden and early passing.

At an early age, Steve developed his passion for hockey and golf from his father. That passion continued throughout his life. Steve played on both his high school hockey and golf teams.

On June 20, 1987, he married the love of his life Tamera Jo Jacobson, daughter of Joseph & Elaine (Anderson) Jacobson of Minot.

Following their marriage, they moved to San Diego where he worked for Ice Capades. From there they moved to New York City, and Steve managed the Wollman Rink in Central Park. Steve and Tami returned to California, where he continued his work with Ice Capades. Steve also managed the training facility for the LA Lakers and the LA Kings. A funny aside…Shaq would always ask Steve (with a grin on his face) for a key to the facility, knowing full well that Steve would have to say “No.” Beginning in 1993, Steve took a part-time job for fun with the Anaheim Ducks. He started out driving the Zamboni and later moved to running the scoreboard - which he did for over 25 years. In 2007 he had the honor of running the scoreboard for the final Stanley Cup game, in which the Ducks won. He, along with the players, received a Stanley Cup Ring.

Steve was a member of the San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Capistrano, California for 30 years. His proudest golf accomplishments were two hole-in-ones; and in 2017, taking first place in the SCGA Southern California Golf Association 43rd Tournament of Club Champions – Indian Wells GR.

Steve had a smile that would light up the room. His joy in living was contagious. He was an amazing host, for family and friends alike. He was known for his grilling and BBQing skills…mixing in plenty of joy and love in his recipes. And he made the BEST smores! Steve made every gathering special…birthdays, anniversaries, holidays (Christmas was his favorite) or just a “let’s get together” time. He not only loved entertaining at home, but he also enjoyed planning adventures with family and friends.

Steve loved his nieces and nephews and got so much enjoyment out of teasing and spending time with them. Steve will be dearly missed by his family and friends, but the memories of the good times shared over the years will live on in our hearts.

Steve is survived by his wife Tami, sisters Jody (Rick) Dregseth and Cynde (Kevin) Jones and brothers Charles Sebo and Terry (Carol) Sebo. Mother-in-law Elaine Jacobson. Sister-in-law Kimberly (Robert) Jacobson. Nieces and nephews, Joseph (Rachel) Smith, Jessica (Jason) Senti, Katie (Ty) Anderson, Jennifer (Eric) Eller, Joshua Jones, Matthew Jones, Christopher (Emily) Sebo, Connor Sebo, Ryan (Holly) Sebo and Jonathan Sebo. Great-nieces and nephews: Elsie Senti, Parker Anderson, Aria Eller, Sierra Eller, Kori Jones, Lana Jones, Ethan Jones, and Tucker Sebo.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Delores and Eugene Benson; stepfather Arthur Christianson; father-in-law Joseph Jacobson; and brother Donald Sebo.

A Celebration of Life will be on Monday, April 22, 2024, at San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Capistrano, California.

A service and burial will be held at Salem Lutheran Church of Rural Stephen Minnesota on Saturday, August 10, 2024.