Benjamin Hettich

New Town

Benjamin Hettich was born June 6, 1933, to David and Katherine (Martz) Hettich, in Kulm, ND. After graduating from Kulm High School in 1952, Ben enlisted in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1955. He continued his education and attended a business school. He then received his certification as a butcher.

Ben moved to Riverdale where he worked at Red Owl Grocery as a meat manager. He met Val Jean Sheets and the two were united in marriage on August 11, 1956. They lived in Riverdale and Bowman for a short time before making their home in New Town.

Ben worked as the meat department manager for Super Value Grocery until 1978 when he and Val Jean opened Ben’s Steak and Stein Restaurant. It was a family-owned and operated business where many lasting memories were made for almost 20 years.

Ben was a wonderful husband and loving father. He cherished his fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Many holidays were spent traveling back to Kulm for family dinners with his parents, brothers, and sisters. He and Val Jean traveled to many places including Ireland, a cruise to Jamaica, a Legion trip to Washington DC, and a favorite was Las Vegas.

He enjoyed the outdoors, from fishing, boating, and hunting to his favorite pastime of golfing. He was interested in the local culture and learned Hidasta to converse with his friends. Ben was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Beck-Sherven American Legion Post 290, and Edgewater Golf Club. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for several years.

On Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 90, Benjamin Hettich passed away, surrounded by his loving family, at a Minot hospital. May God bless the memory of our “gentle Ben”.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Val Jean Hettich of New Town; children, Ryan Hettich (Nancy) of Colorado Springs, CO, Marci Hettich of Longmont, CO, Lisa Thelen of New Town, and Royce Hettich of Beulah; grandchildren, Ben (Candace), David (Andrea), and Ted Hettich; Jennifer Brandly and Sara Shaylie; William and Michael Thelen, Casandra Ellingson (Spencer); Kammie White Bear, Chelsea, Jesse, Jett, Kalvyn, and Champ Hettich; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Lucy, Caleb, Avery, Cooper, Pearce, Paxyn, Hayven, Jaxx, and Jylz; sister, Della Franz of Minneapolis, MN; sister-in-law, Dee Hettich of Aberdeen, SD; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Arthur, Mable, Harold, Martha, Bill, Henry, and Dr. Eugene; and extended family members.

Memorial Service: Thursday, July 27, 2023, 11 a.m., Bethel Lutheran Church, New Town

Inurnment at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall www.langhansfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 25, 2023.