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1929 - 2004
 AGE: 74
TRUHN, Benton E. “Ben”
Plumtree Avenue
Portage
Ben died peacefully on Thursday, March 4, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. Ben was born July 3, 1929 in Benton Harbor, Michigan the son of Erwin W. and Margaret (Tenter) Truhn who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Benton Harbor High School class of 1948. Ben then graduated from the U.S. Navy Submarine School and served in the U.S. Navy on the SS-479 Diablo stationed in Norfolk, VA. In November of 1954 Ben graduated from the Michigan State Police Academy and was stationed at posts in Brighton, Jonesville, Paw Paw and was promoted to Detective Sergeant in April of 1972 and transferred to Detroit, then retiring from the White Pigeon post in January of 1979 as Post Detective. Ben then owned his own private investigative firm. In October of 1953, Ben was united in married to the love of his life, Carol Ann Rauh in St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Ben is survived by his wife and three children; Cynthia (Rick) Sanfilippo of Kalamazoo, Susan (Andy) Smoker of Bronson, MI, and Scott (Leigh) Truhn of Scotts, MI. Five grandchildren, Jennifer (Anthony) Haviland and Andrew Warble of Bronson, Sara Stofer of Kalamazoo, and Darby and Hanley Truhn of Scotts. Three step grandchildren Amber (Jeff) Rahn and Jenny Smoker of Gaylord, and Ben Smoker of Bronson; one great grandchild and three great step grandchildren; sister, Mary Alice Sumner of Melbourne, FL; sister-in-law, Anita Rauh of Chicago; brother-in-law, William Rauh of Benton Harbor; many nieces and nephews. Ben loved woodworking, tending to his vegetable garden and working outside and in his greenhouse which he built. Ben was a member of the Sturgis American Legion Post #73 and the Van Buren County Fraternal Order of Police. He was a kind and gentle husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa and that’s why he has the nickname of “Gentle Ben” Family will receive friends Sunday 2-4 & 6-8 at the ADAMS Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Funeral services will be held Monday 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Paw Paw with Rev. Paul Naumann and Rev. C. William Weis offcicating. Interment in South Cemetery, Portage. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church School Scholarship Fund, St. Michael's School Building Fund, Kalamazoo or the Sturgis American Legion Post #73, 500 W. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091 |
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There are currently 6 condolences.
MARIAN KUSSY WOJDAK
CLW1187
Tuesday March 16, 2004 at
9:55 PM
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DEAR CYNTHIA, I WAS SO SADDENED TO READ ABOUT YOUR FATHERS PASSING IN THE PAW PAW PAW. ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW HIM PERSONALLY, I WANTED TO SHARE MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WILL BE HOME VISINTING MY MOM IN HER NURSING HOME IN MAY AND HOPE TO SEE YOU IN PAW PAW. I SO ENJOYED SEEING EVERYONE IN PAW PAW FOR THE CLASS REUNION AND AGAIN MY SINCERE SYMPATHY FOR THE PASSING OF YOUR DAD. SINCERELY MARIAN KUSSY AND FAMILY
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Mary, Mark, Jamie, Carrie, Lloyd & Mabel Sumner
cherub3239@yahoo.com
Friday March 12, 2004 at
8:06 PM
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To the Family Members of Ben: From: (sister) Mary, (Niece) Jamie, (Nephews & wives) Mark/Carrie, & Lloyd/Mabel SUMNER Sumner. We send our condolences, and will write soon.
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John H. Cunningham
johnhjc@bellsouth.net
Friday March 12, 2004 at
12:34 PM
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To all of the Family Members of Ben:
Ben was my shipmate on the USS Diablo (SS479) Although it has been a lot of years, once a submariner, always a submariner. I know you will all miss him. But he is on eternal patrol with all of the other submariners who have preceded him. My condolences to all of you. He will always be with you as long as you remember him.
Rev. John H. Cunningham
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Tom & Cricket
therder@comcast.net
Sunday March 7, 2004 at
10:45 PM
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R & C~ We know your dad's at peace now. Our hearts are with you even if we can't be with you in person. Our love to you and all your family. Love, T & J
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Mitch & Pat Paul
mitchpat@yahoo.com
Saturday March 6, 2004 at
6:15 PM
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To Carol, Cynthia, Susan & Scott, & families,
We are so saddened to hear of Ben's death. He was a true friend.
We will always remember our fun times together at Grey Lake.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Our love and sympathy,
Mitch & Pat
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Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann
naumann@net-link.net
Saturday March 6, 2004 at
5:17 PM
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"Gentle Ben" is indeed a fitting nick name. I would add, respectful, loving, grateful, and believing Ben.
May God our Father give you all His abiding peace, through Jesus Christ our Savior, and the by the Comforter, the Holy Spirit.
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