Benjamin Burton Beerwert

Benjamin Burton Beerwert, 91, of Columbia City, Ind., passed away at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at Miller's Merry Manor in Columbia City. Born February 24, 1923 in Thorncreek Township, he was the son of August and Lula (Beeching) Beerwert.

He spent most of his life in Whitley County. From 1927-1935 he lived in Minnesota. He graduated from Coesse High School with the Class of 1941. Following high school Ben moved to Washington for a year to be a welder, repairing ships during WWII. Besides being a farmer, Ben retired in 1983 from International Harvester. He was a devoted member of Centerview Community Church in South Whitley and had volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

He enjoyed trains, tractors, steam engines and appreciated all antiques, especially guns. He enjoyed gardening and spending time at Chain O Lakes State Park. He was a wood worker, capable of building almost anything with his hands.

Survivors include his sons, John Beerwert of Irvine, Calif. and Joe (Fe) Beerwert of Columbia City; step-son, Homer Wigent of South Whitley; sister, Joan Walters of Columbia City; and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Beulah Mae Beerwert in 1978; second wife, Frances W. Beerwert in 1994; and brother, Dilman J. Beerwert.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015 from 2 to 8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the funeral home with Pastor Dan Cox officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery.Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Beerwert's memory to Our Daily Bread, Lakeland Child Evangelism or Israel Gospel Ministry.Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.