Tom Benedict

Thomas Jerry Benedict, 51, of Apple Valley and formally Prior Lake, MN, passed away unexpectedly on January 12, 2026.

Tom was born on December 30, 1974 to Jerry Benedict and Joanie Ristau. He attended Rosemount High School with the graduating class of 1993.

Thomas was an active member of the community in Prior Lake and took pride in being involved with his son’s baseball and basketball careers. He never missed a game and was always found right behind home plate or at the scores table. He also enjoyed many hunting trips with his dad and his sons. Tom loved being out on the lake boating with family, where his favorite game to play was seeing how long the kids could hang onto the inner-tube.

His greatest joy in life was spending time with his two sons, Cole and Carter. They would often spend time going to sporting events and deciding which teams would make it to the Super Bowl or to the Final Four. He raised them strong and loyal, just as he was. The time he spent with his family was something he always looked forward to. Tom was a loving son to his mother, Joanie, and made countless memories with her she will have the honor of holding onto. His niece, Kali, will miss his fatherly role in her life and all of the wonderful adventures he included her in while growing up. He had a way of making every moment silly and his laughter could light up any room he entered. His memory will be cherished forever.

He is survived by his mother, Joanie Ristau; sons, Cole (Halle Nelson) and Carter Benedict; sister, Tami Benedict, niece, Kali Benedict, as well as so many friends that he adored throughout his life. He also will be missed by his best furry friend, Mia.

Tom was a child of God and was surely welcomed into Heaven by his father, Jerry Donald Benedict and step-father, Dennis Lee Ristau.

Tom’s legacy will be honored 4:00 PM Saturday, January 24, 2026, with a time of gathering beginning at 2:00 PM all at Shepard of the Lake Lutheran Church 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, MN. Pastor Mollie Hamre will preside. Tom will be laid to rest at Pleasant View Memorial Gardens at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred and will be distributed by Tom's family in his honor.