Bennie E. Heiden

Bennie E. Heiden, age 92, of Westphalia went to be with his lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 23, 2022. He was born on August 30, 1930, in Clare, Michigan, the son of Lewis and Zina (Robinson) Heiden. Ben was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, The Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Society and Westphalia Historical Society. He loved working in his wood shop making furniture, crafts, and toys for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, bowling, playing cards, and spending time at the family cottage on Higgins Lake. Ben enjoyed traveling with his family and friends, and had wonderful memories of trips throughout the United States, as well as Germany and other parts of Europe. He was employed with Fisher Body for 33 years and retired in 1982.

Ben was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean War with the 11th Marines Field Artillery on the Western Front. He was a member of Post 153 American Legion and a trustee of Post 3733 V.F.W. Ben loved to donate time to military projects, including fund raising. Along with his cousin, Louis Pline, he was instrumental in establishing a Veteran's Memorial in St. Mary's Cemetery in Westphalia.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Herman and sisters, Betty, Dora and Laura; and in- laws, Orvest Davis, Raymond Watson, Danny Hudson, Denis and Geri Nurenberg, Germaine Nurenberg, Jerry and Donna West, and LeRoy Hunter. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 69 years, Colleen (Nurenberg) Heiden; children, Steve (Sue) Heiden, LeAnn (John Sablan) Thelen, Pam (Joe) Smith, Teri (Bob) Vasquez, Michael (Tammy) Heiden and Jeff (Cassondra) Heiden; 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Peter Lawrence at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by V.F.W. Post #3733. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St., Westphalia. The rosary will be prayed at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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