Condolences
I first met Ben at CHS. He was our PE coach. He introduced us to soccer long before most of this country knew about it. Thank you for that as it was a sport I actually enjoyed.
After that I would bump into him every few years or so. Even the random meetings will be missed.
Mary and all the family. What a class act was Ben, and we want to thank you for "sharing" him with us all. What a tremendous civic servant and of the Lord. We had the privilege of being students in his school, Greenfield High. His energy and sincere in each student was unsurpassed. Throughout our lives our paths crossed and he still left you feeling warm and inspired to live life to the fullest. Again, Mary, your sharing Ben's time with all is a sacrifice not unnoticed and will be greatly rewarded as you are together again "up the road". May you all feel the Comfort and Peace that comes from knowing our Lord,Jesus Christ.
What a great guy was Ben. I have known Ben for a number of years. We worked together in the church on a number of projects. God bless Mary and his family.
I had Ben for music at CHS in about 1965. Seems like a long time ago. I had a tin ear and no interest in music and so spent my time disrupting Ben's class till he had the good sense to kick me out while giving me an F for the class. It was a life sentence with no possibility of parole. He would not have me back.
After I grew up (many, many years later) felt bad for what I had done and luckily for me I ran into Ben a year ago, for the first time since high school. I apologized profusely and he took it with his customary grace and smile.
Sympathy and prayers for the whole family. Certainly an amazing life well lived.
Touched so many with his musical talents, and never will be forgotten.
Blessings,
Mark and Elner (Hammann) Ivers
My sincerest condolences to the whole family.
To Mary and all of Ben's family; my heartfelt condolences to you at this time. Ben wore many hats as he impacted folks in Carlinville and the surrounding area for decades, but I remember him most as a wonderful "music man" for thousands of Carlinville elementary school students over the years. His service was a blessing for everyone.
Ben was truly one of lifes most precious gems! He will be so missed by many. Our prayers are with the family. Bruce & Tricia Nejmanowski
Mary, my family loved having you for our splendid neighbors, till my mother died in 1976, and Dad remarried and sold our home around 1980. Truly Ben lived an amazing life. Many of those things I was well aware of, but much I read here, I had not known. God bless you and your family. I am thinking of you.