Mr. Benjamin A. Wondergem, 72, of Valparaiso, IN, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at Porter Memorial Hospital in Valparaiso after a five-year battle with cancer.
He was born June 9, 1937, in LaPorte County, the son of Abraham and Margaret (Comer) Wondergem.
Benjamin worked as a groundskeeper for Briar Leaf Golf Course in LaPorte and Whittaker Woods Golf Course in New Buffalo, MI. He loved working outdoors. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was an avid treasure hunter and antique collector and he loved collecting, fixing and selling clocks.
He is survived by his loving companion, Lorraine Stick of Valparaiso; two brothers, Abe Wondergem of LaPorte and John Wondergem of Homer, LA; two sisters, Joan Larson of LaPorte and Nellie Payne of Three Oaks, MI; six extended grandchildren; seven extended great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jim Wondergem and Martin Wondergem; and one sister, Minnie Larson.
Services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte, with Rev. John Beehler officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the service, with burial of ashes at Lambs Chapel Cemetery, LaPorte, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 W. Ind. 2, LaPorte, IN 46350; or to the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
