Obituary of Ben W. Wackerle

Ben, age 44, died on Friday September 9, 2016 after a valiant fight with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy surrounded by family and friends at his side. Benjamin was born in Bay City on August 3, 1972 the son of Don and Martha (Bush) Wackerle. Ben was a 1990 graduate of John Glenn High School and was a member of the National Honor Society. He attended SVSU and graduated in 1997 with a BA degree in marketing. He was a member of Alpha Mu Gamma, honor Society for Foreign languages, he was named Who's Who among students in American Universities and Colleges in 1995. He also served as a member of student government. Ben operated Rollin' B Entertainment DJ service and worked previously for Do-All. He was a member of All Saints Parish, and was a 3rd degree with Knights of Columbus Council #14211. Ben loved the Detroit Lions, Pistons and Tigers, he also excelled at trivia contests. Ben is survived by his parents Don and Martha Wackerle of Bay City. Also surviving are his brother and sisters; Richard (Lesa) Wackerle of Hudsonville, MI, Shelby Hodder of Essexville, MI and Kasey Wackerle of Bay City, MI, grandmother Grace Bush of Bay City, uncle Rick Wackerle of Bay City, aunt Sue (Jim) Ware of Saratoga Springs, NY, 4 nieces and 2 nephews, whom Ben adored, his beloved dog Sam Crow, numerous cousins and special friends; Toriano Lane, Lisa Castillo, Pam Johnson, LaraBeth Sullivan and many friends too numerous to list. He was preceded in death by grandparents Ben & Winifred Wackerle, Walter Bush, uncle Lendell Wackerle and Paws with a Cause service dog, Bucky, super friends Don Curtis, Ramon Sanchez and Quinton Varney. They all, including Ben, were an inspiration to establish Camp Fish Tales in Pinconning. A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday September 17, 2016 at All Saints Parish at St. James Catholic Church, 710 Columbus Avenue, Bay City. Father Jose Cabrera will officiate. The family will receive friends at the All Saints Parish at St. James Catholic Church Chapel on Friday September 16, 2016 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., with a prayer service to be held at 7:00 P.M. sponsored by K of C Council #14221. Those considering an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the Family. Arrangements by Hyatt-Ewald Funeral Home. To sign online guestbook visit www.hyattewald.com.