July 18, 2020 – West Bend, WI – Benjamin (Ben) D. Falter, 60, died peacefully at his home on July 17, 2020 after a short battle with cancer. He was born in West Bend on December 28, 1959 to MaryAnn (Bohn) and Frank B. Falter and raised on the family farm in the town of Trenton. There, he started learning many of the skills that would flourish throughout his life. The farm was an important part of his life.
Ben married Joan M. Oresnik on August 17, 1985. They were blessed with nearly 35 years of marriage, 3 children, 2 sons-in-law whom he saw as his sons, and one dear grandchild. They will miss his love, guidance, and “dad-jokes.”
Ben is a 1978 graduate of West Bend West High School. He was a life-long member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Newburg. He worked in trucking, mechanics, and construction before working more than 20 years as a heavy equipment operator for Washington County. Ben was also very entrepreneurial. His business ventures included tractor restoration and construction. Few people possess such a wide and developed skill set. He was a keen problem-solver. If he couldn’t fix it, he would utilize his vast network to help develop a workable solution. Ben generously shared his talents with family, friends, and the community. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23).
He is survived by wife Joan, children Jennifer (Lance) Rohan, Sarah (Ryan) Starr, Benjamin, and dearest grandchild Jolene (JoJo) Rohan. He is further survived by father Frank B. (Althea) Falter and siblings Frank L (Therese) Falter, Mary (Jerry) Mertz, Kathleen (Bill) Thiele, and Fred Falter; sister-in-law Paula Kim (Lance) Unger, and brother-in-law Frank Oresnik; aunts and uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and many dear friends.
Ben is preceded in death by his mother MaryAnn, grand-niece Claire, mother and father-in-law Paula and John Leitner, brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Oresnik, and nephew Travis Oresnik.
A Mass of Christian Burial is tentatively planned for Monday, July 20th. Due to COVID-19, this will be by invitation. In lieu of a traditional visitation, there will be a gathering after the Mass for family and friends at Elderberry Manor, 5113 County Hwy M, West Bend, WI 53095. Updated information will be posted at the Phillip Funeral Homes website. In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations to Holy Trinity Catholic Church Newburg Building Fund are appreciated.
