Benjamin Carl Milbrath

Benjamin Carl Milbrath II (1/6/56 - 12/11/24) On January 6, 1956, Benjamin P. Milbrath (1927-1983) and Mary L. Milbrath Kocher (1929-2022) celebrated the birth of Benjamin Carl Milbrath II. He was named for his grandfather, Benjamin Carl Milbrath I (1885-1976), and many knew this sweet baby as “Buzz.” (With so many “Bens” in the family, adding another made communication confusing!) Buzz eventually had to relinquish his top billing to other siblings, beginning with Peter (Mary), Anne Milbrath Ingebretsen (Kirk), Trina Milbrath Gillies (Chris), and Kathleen Milbrath Neelon (Chris). When Ben married his wife, Sherry Hartrunft, he gained new family members: Sherry’s parents, George and Judy Hartrunft; her grandmother, Erna Linxwiler (1921-2011); and Sherry’s brother, Bruce Hartrunft. Ben and Sherry were then blessed with three treasures—daughters: Katherine (Kate), Kristen, and Melanie. Ben’s eyes always smiled whenever he spent time with or described outings and adventures with his family. Unequivocally, Sherry, Kate, Kristen and Melanie were Ben’s oxygen! Ben was an outstanding student and athlete. He was a two-time high school Northwest Conference Wrestling Champion and a member of Andrean High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame for tennis. He was a four-year varsity tennis letterman at Wabash College, where he graduated with honors in 1978. Following graduation, Ben earned his CPA certification, which propelled him through a successful business career from which he retired in 2023. Ben found classical music soothing, but having come of age in the 1970s, classic rock made him nostalgic and was part of his fabric. Whether it was The Doobies, Eagles or Foreigner, the soundtrack of Ben’s life was always playing. Ben was also devoted to the Chicago Bears and the Cubs, as reflected by his unwavering loyalty—whether through heartbreaking losses or historic wins, his belief in his teams never faltered. In fact, Ben and “the girls” were chasing a goal of seeing at least one game at every Major League Baseball park in the US, and they had already conquered 11! For those who knew him, whether he was Ben, Buzz, Dad or Sir, Ben was not simply made in God’s image but was steeped in authenticity and integrity—cornerstones of his character. Ben had a gentle, quiet kindness. He was steady, humble, slow to speak and quick to listen, wise and with a strong trust in God’s will. Don’t grieve Ben’s death. Instead, be grateful he stopped by and you were his friend. Hug your loved ones and emulate Ben’s goodness whenever you hear a 70s classic rock tune that makes you yearn for yesterday, thankful for today, and makes you dream until your dreams come true! Please join us in celebrating Ben during his memorial services on January 6, 2025 at St. Maria Goretti Church (500 Northgate Drive, Dyer, IN 46311) at 11am. Burns Funeral Home and Crematory entrusted with arrangements.

Benjamin Carl Milbrath

January 6, 1956 - December 11, 2024