Ben J. Adrian

Ben J. Adrian was born on September 8, 1922 on the family farm in Butterfield Township, the son of John and Nettie (Penner) Adrian. He was baptized at the First Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake. Ben attended country school through 8th grade, and graduated from Butterfield High School with honors in 1942. On October 4, 1945, Ben was united in marriage to Caroleen Harder at the First Mennonite Church and they made their home on a farm one mile south of Mountain Lake. Together they farmed the land, raised turkeys on the range and brought up their two sons, Mike and Jonathan. Ben was recognized as a "Jaycee Young Farmer of the Year" in 1954. He was born on a farm and kept that hardworking nature that was instilled in his upbringing throughout the years. He was passionate about farming; so passionate that he was always progressive in looking at and embracing the latest farming methods, and especially new technology. In fact, he would look forward to it, and comment that "if only that (technology) had come sooner." He was a steward of the land and embraced conservation. Ben was an avid supporter of renewable fuels and resources. He spent many years growing Foundation seed stock for Minnesota Crop Improvement Association. Ben never gave up putting forth effort to keep the farm on task; however, he always found a little time to get away to take his family on trips. He always enjoyed the adventure of exploring new places. He traveled many places including the United States, Australia, Europe, Ecuador and Brazil. Ben's favorite pastime was fishing and more recently gardening. He served on the Mountain Lake Christian School board and held various positions at Bethel Mennonite Church throughout the years. After Caroleen's death in 2001, Ben married Eleanor Hiebner on April 17, 2004. Ben is survived by his wife, Eleanor; sons, Mike (Betty) and Jonathan (Brenda); grandchildren, Matthew (Michelle), Jaclyn (Dan) Myers, Nathan, Scott, Rachelle (Travis) Splechter, Melanie (Daniel) Nelson and Bryce; great-grandchildren, Caden Adrian and Carson Myers; sister, Agnes Braaten; brothers-in-law, Jim (Donna) Lepp and Ivan Harder, sisters-in-law, Margaret Adrian and Carol W. Harder; Eleanor's children, Grace (Arnold) Harder, Lois (Roger) Reimer, Diane (Dennis) Goodwin, Sharon (Glen) Kleinsasser, Lauren Steinle and Donald (Kari) Hiebner; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Caroleen; 3 sons, Paul Kevin, Mark Anthony and Timothy Joel; his parents; sister, Annie Lepp; brothers, Dave and John; brothers and sisters-in-law, Aasten Braaten, Glen and Donald Harder, Evelyn Adrian and Luetta Harder; nephews, David Jr. and Harry Adrian; Eleanor's daughter and son-in-law, Lynette Steinle and Harvey Gilgert and many other relatives and friends. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wednesday, November 29, 2017 Sturm Funeral Home, Mountain Lake Chapel 420 - 10th St. N. Mtn. Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Thursday, November 30, 2017 Bethel Mennonite Church, Mountain Lake, Minnesota 301 N 9th St Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Service Information 10:30 am Thursday, November 30, 2017 Bethel Mennonite Church, Mountain Lake, Minnesota 301 N 9th St Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Interment Information Mountain Lake City Cemetery 10th St. N at Midway Rd Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159