Benjamin Maendel completed his earthly journey on April 7, 2021, at his home surrounded by family after a battle with cancer. Ben was born in Rosedale Colony, Elie, MB on December 2, 1941, the eighth child of Joseph and Mary Maendel. At the age of three he moved with his family to New Rosedale Colony. His family moved to Forest River Hutterite Colony in 1950. Ben became manager of the colony working with his herd of brown swiss cattle. He built up a dairy herd, loving every minute of it, till circumstances forced him to retire from milking.

On June 1, 1975 Ben married Anna Wollman of Long Lake Colony in South Dakota. They had two children, Raymond and Lisa. Ben found a special interest in the quality of water, was it water testing for the colony or for the water used to irrigate the colony’s crops. He so very much enjoyed repairing small appliances people brought to his home. Ben maintained friendships with local neighbors that he helped when he saw a need. Ben enjoyed fishing in the Forest River. Throughout his life he was also was fond of finding old artifacts as he worked the fields.

Ben is survived by his wife Anna of 45 years, his son Raymond (Melissa) Grandsons: Noah, Cody and Brady, Winkler, MB Canada. Daughter Lisa (Kevin) Granddaughter: AnnaLisa, Grandsons: Benjamin, Matthew, Philip, and Markus, SD. Ben is survived by siblings Katie (Kees) Willink, The Netherlands; Jonathan (Margaret) ND; Solomon (Sara) ND; Lydia, ND; George, ME; Judith, IL; Hannah, IL; Lillian (Chris) Ficker, ME; and Clara, GA. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joseph, sisters Maria, Susie and Barbara and infant siblings Joshua, Katie and Sarah. 2 brothers-in-law. Ben will be greatly missed. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a quiet insistence on doing what was right.

FUNERAL SERVICES will be held at the Forest River Colony Church near Fordville, ND on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 2 p.m.  Interment will be in the Forest River Colony Cemetery.