Benjamin Frederick Bucholz, 79, passed away September 24, 2023, at Avantara Arrowhead Nursing Home in Rapid City, SD.
Ben was born October 5, 1943, in Sturgis, SD, to William and Alice (Wuennecke) Bucholz. He grew up on a family farm south of Vale, SD. Ben attended his first eight years of school at the Follette School, a rural Meade County School. Graduating from Sturgis High School in 1961. Ben was active on the football, wrestling, and track teams.
Ben proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1964-1967. Following his honorable discharge, Ben, would spend the rest of his life having a career as an iron worker, working on projects all over the United States. His biggest and most talked about project was working on the Alaskan Pipeline from 1973-1976.
After retiring Ben moved to Sturgis, following an accident in September 2022, Ben lived with Bill and Rose. He was moved to Avantara in September 13, 2023.
Ben was an avid coin collector and a civil war buff. He was a member of the VFW, and Ironworkers Local 454.
Ben is survived by his brothers, Don Bucholz, of Rapid City, SD, and Bill (Rose) Bucholz, of Vale, SD; sisters, JoAnne Bucholz, of Leno Lakes, MN, Judy (Dick) Bedore, of Aurora, CO, and Linda (Larry) Snavely, of Neveda, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great- nephews.
Ben is preceded in death by his parents, William (Alice) Bucholz, brother and sister-in-law, David (Cathy) Bucholz.
A memorial has been established.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.
Funeral services will be 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. Interment with military honors to follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
