Thomas Joel Benney

Thomas Joel Benney, 62, formerly of Tea, South Dakota passed away in Arizona following a fall at his home on February 20, 2026.

Tom was born to Harold and Gerry (Koller) Benney on November 7, 1963, in Freeman, SD. He graduated from Hurley High School in 1982 and went on to attend Western Iowa Technical School in Sioux City, IA, where he earned his degree in Auto Body Repair. Cars were not just his career — they were his lifelong passion.

On May 22, 1993, he married the love of his life, Susan Niles, in Tea, SD. Together they built a life rooted in hard work and laughter.

Tom owned his own body shop in Hurley before beginning work with Peterka’s Damage Appraisers in Sioux Falls, SD. He later purchased the business and proudly renamed it Tri-State Damage Appraisers. After closing that chapter, he started STJ Enterprises. Over his lifetime, Tom likely bought, repaired, and resold more than 200 vehicles. To say cars were his passion is truly an understatement. Most recently, he purchased a ’78 GMC Pickup and delighted in teasing his nephews that Chevys were far better than Fords.

In March 2017, Tom suffered a spinal cord injury. True to his determined spirit, he fought tirelessly to regain the use of his legs and hands. His strength and perseverance inspired everyone who knew him. In 2021, Tom and Susan embraced a new adventure as snowbirds, splitting their time between Minnesota, South Dakota, and Arizona. He especially loved the warm Arizona weather, spending many peaceful days relaxing on the deck, listening to music, and soaking in the sunshine.

Tom had a smart-aleck sense of humor and a contagious laugh. He loved joking with friends and family and will be remembered for his easy-going ways and possessing a lot of information about cars.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Mike Benney, many aunts and uncles along with his step-father Arvid Magnuson.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, his brother Pat (Pam) Benney, Parker, SD; sister Kathy (Fred) Dehring, Yankton, SD. In-Laws Chuck and Jo Niles, brother-in-law Dan (Molly) Niles. Niece and nephews; Tammy Crager, Scott (Kally Joe) Benney, Brian (Laura) Benney, Jason (Denise) Benney, Jeff (Jess) Benney, Shelby (Anne) Boese, Amantha (Robbie) Pieper, Missy Knight Shawn Dehring, Julia (Evan) Niles, Tenley Niles, Reece Sickes and Jayde Sickels.

Tom was also survived by many special great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews along with many friends. While too many to name here, they will always be close to his heart.

A private burial and commitment ceremony will be held in Rosehill Cemetery, Parker, South Dakota. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Tea Community Hall, 200 W. Maple Street, Tea, SD on Friday, July 17th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a service to be held after the visitation.