Ben Hushka

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Ben Hushka, 88, of Faulkton, passed away, Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 9, 2013 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Faulkton. Burial was followed at Groton Union Cemetery, Groton.  Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 8, 2013 with a 6:30 p.m. rosary service and 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.

Benjamin Frank was born February 8, 1924 to Joseph and Katie (Steier) Hushka on a farm near Dickinson, North Dakota.  He was raised on the family farm.  For a brief time, Ben traveled from the family farm and worked in Detroit, Michigan.  He returned to North Dakota and worked in the Grain Elevator Business for nearly 50 years.  On November 16, 1948, in a double wedding ceremony with his sister Barb and Melvin Kaufman, Ben married Josephine “Jo” Paluck.  Ben and Jo lived in Wilton, North Dakota with Ben’s parents and assisted in operating a café and rooming house. He later worked for and eventually became a co-owner and manager of the B&W Elevator Supply Company; eventually creating Ben’s Elevator and Cleaner Service.  He took great pride in his work and specialized in grain cleaner service and repair.

Ben and Jo moved to Groton, South Dakota in 1962.  After the passing of Ben’s lifelong partner Josephine in 2001, he moved to Faulkton to be closer to family.

Family was important to Ben and his enjoyment revolved around them.  He also enjoyed dancing, cards and bingo with his wife Jo as well as fishing.  After moving to Faulkton, Ben was known to be playing cards or dice games at Lakeside Country Club and the Faulkton Healthcare Center.

Missing him greatly are his son, DuWayne (Diane) Hushka of Faulkton; son, Ben (Marcie) Hushka of Fargo, ND and daughter, Deb (Jeff) Richardson of Blaine, MN; one sister, Barbara (Melvin) Kaufman of Pierre; one brother, Joe (Eleanor) Hushka of Richmond, IL; two sisters-in-law: Emma Hushka of Minot, ND and Margaret Hushka of Aurora, CO; six grandchildren: Lisa (Jerod) Raethz and their children: Bailey, Ella and Aedyn of Faulkton; Lori (Josh) Bartels and their children: Jordan, Landon, Halle and Emeri of Sioux Falls; Ryan Hushka of Fargo, ND; Dylan (Carley) Hushka and son, Owen of Gilbert, AZ; and Jasmine and Jada Richardson of Blaine, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Josephine; two brothers: Tony and Tom; one sister, Rose and one infant brother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Autumn Leaves Senior Center in Faulkton or the charity of your choice.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Ben’s arrangements.