Bennie R. Naumann

Bennie R. “Ben” Naumann, 93, passed peacefully in his sleep at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman, in the early hours of Friday, July 10th. A private service for the family will take place next week. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ben’s name may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Ben’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ben was born to Katherine (Wurtz) and Max Naumann on October 24, 1926. He was the ninth of twelve children. As his own father passed when he was only 8, Ben was raised by his mom with the help of all of his older siblings. Ben was the last surviving sibling of the twelve. He fiercely loved his family. In 1945, he joined the Navy (by force, his mother said “they will make a man out of you”) and served on the USS Pratt destroyer escort in the South China Sea in 1945. He was witness to the mushroom clouds from Hiroshima and Nagasaki and was in the flotilla during the Japanese surrender on the USS Missouri. Ben was a quiet man. He could be stubborn. He was a good provider and was kind to strangers in need. The highlight of his career as an 18-wheel semi-truck driver, was the award he received for driving one million miles without an accident. In retirement, he and his wife, Mary, traveled across the USA pulling a fifth wheel, visiting friends, relatives and making new friends. They were members of Good Sam and enjoyed life-long friendships from the rallies they attended. Ben was predeceased by his daughter Carol Ann Corbitt in 1989. He is survived by his wife of almost 46 years, Mary V; daughters, Marilyn (Les) Herrman of St. Joseph and Deb (Jim) Perry of Noblesville, IN; stepdaughters, Pam (Jerry) Edinger, Pat (David) Priebe and Laurie Sehr; 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by his love of family, a good meal and a good joke. Our lives were enriched by knowing and loving him.