Ben Geringer was a native of Lodi, California, born November 13, 1929. He graduated from Lodi Union High School in 1947. After a semester at Stockton Junior College, Ben applied for a job at the newly opened Lodi General Mills plant. He was hired and worked there for over 45 years, retiring in 1993. In 1950 he met DeLores Bender, who had just moved to Lodi from North Dakota. A year later they were married at the Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church, where they met.
After his retirement, Ben and DeLores traveled to the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Alaska, Washington D.C., New York, Florida, and North Dakota. Ben and DeLores celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary on December 2nd, 2022.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gottlieb and Emilie Brockel Geringer, his two sisters, Marie Engel of Clements and Martha Bitter of Fresno, and his two brothers, Dan of Lodi and John of Bakersfield. He is survived by his wife, DeLores, nieces and nephews, and his church family at Vinewood Community Church, where they are members.
At the age of 18, Ben accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He knew from the Bible that “to be absent from the body was to be present with the Lord.”
SERVICES:
On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, there will be visitation at 11:00 am, followed by a graveside service at 12:00 pm for family at Cherokee Memorial, Lodi.
There will be a Celebration of Life service honoring Ben on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 11:00 am at Vinewood Community Church, Lodi, followed by a reception at the church.
Contributions can be made to Vinewood Community Church or the charity of your choice.
Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.