Bernard "Ben" J. Bachmeier

Bernard “Ben” Joseph Bachmeier, 88, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, July 07, 2014 at his home in Fergus Falls under the care of family and Lakeland Hospice.

Bernard was born on September 8, 1925 in Tourquay, Saskatchwan, Canada, the son of Aloysious and Elizabeth (Lind) Bachmeier. Ben completed grade school in Tourquay, Saskatchwan and then farmed with his father until Ben was 17. In 1945 he began farming with his uncle and after 3 years, moved to Leamington, Ontario where he farmed for 3 more years. He then went to work for Cementation Company until 1960, when he began his work for Trujillo Company in the United States. During his career with Trujillo, he was an underwater diver in many different areas of the United States, working on dams and bridges. He worked on almost all of the dams regulated by Otter Tail Power. After 20 years with Trujillo, he went to work for Roundhorst Company and was with them for 2 years.

On August 20, 1966 he married Ruby (Shol) Hanstad and the couple settled in St. Paul, MN. Ben began working for Eucilid Company as a mechanic. After 2 years, Ben went back to work for Trujillo, Roundhorst and Prepac, serving as a supervisor wherever he was needed. During this time, he also started his own business with his brother, Seb and a friend. He retired in 1988. After retirement, Ben and Ruby moved to Blaine, MN and in 1996 moved to Fergus Falls to be close to their family and friends. In 2003, Ben lost his beloved wife, Ruby.

He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and was proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed many hobbies such as clock repair, model train, coin and John Deere model tractor collecting and also restoring John Deere tractors.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Ruby; sisters, Elizabeth Silva, Victoria Robertson, Delores Gisi, Gloria Sprecher and brothers, Aloysious “Louis”, Sebastian “Seb” Bachmeier.

He was deeply admired and revered by his “children”. Survivors include his step-children, Shirley Soria of Stockton, CA, Sharon (Joe) Loduca of Stockton, CA, Linda (Dave) Gaarsland of Battle Lake, Mary Jo Kugler of Alexandria, Rebecca (Roger) Engleson of Fergus Falls, Gary (Darlene) Westerhaug of Fergus Falls, Bruce (Joyce) Hanstad of Underwood, Scott Hanstad of Battle Lake, Randy (Cheryl) Hanstad of Erhard; 23 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; sisters, Maria “Mary” Grube of Estevan, SK and Clara Weinrauch of Estevan, SK and brothers, Linus “Len” (Emily) Bachmeier of Lemington, ON, Petrous “Pete” (June) Bachmeier of Lemington, ON, Konstantine “Kon” Bachmeier of Oakville, ON, Lawrence (Olga) Bachmeier of London, ON; sisters-in-law, Maria Bachmeier of Akron, OH, Hazel Magdich of Fergus Falls, Vivian Shol of Fergus Falls and brothers-in-law, Art Gisi of Lemington, ON, Dick Sprecher of Calgary, SK. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 1 hour prior to the service at the church
Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2014 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Clergy: Father Alan Wielinski
Burial: St. Otto’s Catholic Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, MN