We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Ben here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
prayers and hugs to you all
mary ann frazier
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Godspeed Ben, my friend. Will dearly miss you.
Michael Carlson
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
“Fair winds and following seas”
Danielle Fary
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
I loved Ben! I am so so so very sorry to all who were honored to know this man!!
Cherri Harris
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Once when Ben saw a monarch butterfly flying atop the waves from the helm of Misty on Lake Michigan as we did Aux patrols, he said to me, "that's my wife, Pat". Together again.
Michael Carlson
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
So sorry for your loss. Marsha (Bodfish) Lewis
Marsha Lewis
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Sending prayers and hugs to the family.
Carol Hosier
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Maryann and family, we're so sorry for your loss.
Cynthia Goerg Titman and Sam Titman
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Sincere condolences to Plachta family.
Ruth A Speake
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
We loved Ben and Pat. Brad Emenhiser used to mow his yard and loved helping at the shoe house with them. Later, when I waitressed Nemo's he was always one of my favorites at the round table. Thinking of you all!!
Jen Emenhiser
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
My favorite Santa growing up! Thank you for sharing him with all of us
Maribeth Jordan
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
I have fond memories of Ben when my wife Connie and I would visit South Haven but I especially remember when Ben spent some time in the early seventies with his uncle Isadore in Windsor Ontario condolence to the whole family
David Nickerson
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
My deepest sympathy. Kathy Haines Dailey
Kathleen Haines Dailey
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers and sincere condolences.
David Hamlin
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Ben became part of our lives when Kathy and I took the Aux boating class. From that point on we were friends and enjoyed his never-ending smile. He was a great guy. We enjoyed making each other laugh. What a guy! Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Dennis and Kathy Dascenzo
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Oh, Ben! So very many memories interwoven throughout the years! Just hearing his voice would put a smile on my face! Truly, when the Lord made Ben, he broke the mold. Sad for the rest of the world!
Marie Mielke
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
The Plachta family was legendary to everybody working with Chris at Palisades and I’m so sorry for your loss
Debbie Malins
September 2nd, 2020 at 12:00am
Our families go way back. So many memories!! He will surely be missed by everyone. RIP Ben!!
Fred J Lammlin
September 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Ben was a long time member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was our mentor, trainer and educator with a great sense of humor too! We thank him for his devotion to duty and country!
David Lowry
September 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
John, Chris, Michelle and families: When I remember Ben, I will always hear that infectious laugh of his. He was a delight to talk to and be around. I worked at Palisades and he would come in and work with me in the tool room during outages. It was a treat to have him there and time would pass quickly when we worked together. He will be remembered and missed by many especially at the annual Euchre party at the Boat Club.
Rich Chapman
September 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Ben was the best neighbor we could have ever hoped for. Raising four girls down the street from him was like having another Grandpa and friend at the same time. When the girls would end up in the ditch on a snowy winter day they would call Ben to get them out. Or when the youngest took out his mailbox he didn't give them a hard time he just fixed it. He never ratted them out, but gave them the chance to come clean on their own. Him and I would get a laugh out of it, because he laughed about it, and he kept me from getting too upset. I figured he had probably seen it all before. Remember his laugh. He carried that wonderful spirit onto my grandchildren where he would make origami sitting in Nemo's and give it to them. He would always say "Hi Neighbor" or "Howdy Neighbor" to Arlene and I. Man his voice could make a person feel special. We will miss you "Neighbor"!
David Campbell
September 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
To write a little note about Ben would not be easy I worked with him, and for him . We laughed a lot and got the job completed . If you heard his laugh you laughed, if you felt his scorn you would not forget . We
Ken McBride
September 3rd, 2020 at 12:00am
Miss you my friend. God Bess You and Rest in Peace Ben !
David Moritti
September 4th, 2020 at 12:00am
Chris, John and the Plachta family - sorry for your loss, your dad was a super guy and will be missed.
Tom & Lucy Swiecicki
September 4th, 2020 at 12:00am
A true friend will be missed. Rest in peace
KEITH OLSON12
September 4th, 2020 at 12:00am
Ben was my dad’s best friend for many years. I would see him at the boat or at the house or at Nemos for breakfast and he would alway bark out “ hey jocko” followed by that famous laugh. He will be missed, but he is with Pat and dad again.
Larry Capps
September 5th, 2020 at 12:00am
Michelle, John and Chris: I am so sorry to hear this. I will always have great memories and respect for your dad and mom. Prayers for your families for comfort during this difficult time.
Shelly Vanderbrink
September 5th, 2020 at 12:00am
So sorry to hear about Mr. Plachta. He was a great and kind man. My prayers are with him and his family
Perry Palanca
September 5th, 2020 at 12:00am
