Benedict "Ben" Wassinger

Benedict “Ben” P. Wassinger age 81 of Grand Island passed away Friday June 7, 2024. Visitation will take place at All Faiths Funeral Home Wednesday June 12, 2024 from 4-7 P.M. with a rosary service at 7:00 P.M. The Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Leo’s Catholic Church Thursday June 13, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. Ben was born in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was the son of Benedict and Lola (Life) Wassinger. He attended Grand Island Central Catholic High School and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Pharmacy in 1967. Ben met the love of his life at the A&W in Grand Island and married Arlene “Willy” Williams on 12-28-1965. Together they set the highest bar for a loving, selfless, and lasting union for everyone who was blessed to know them. A true match made at the Heavenly A&W. His professional career began as a pharmacist at Nicholas Rexall Drug in downtown Grand Island. He subsequently acquired the business and it operated as Bens Drug Store until 1997. He received the1983 Bowl of Hygeia award for the State of Nebraska which is given to a pharmacist annually for outstanding community service. He served as a preceptor for pharmacy interns for UNMC for 25 years. In 1997 Ben established Ben’s LTC Pharmacy, providing medication and pharmacy services to nursing homes in the area. From 2007 until last week he ran his own pharmacy consulting service for area nursing homes. He was elected to the Board of Directors of Equitable Building and Loan in 1985, and served the Board in various capacities until his death. Ben also found time to write and publish two novels. He was instrumental in starting the parish of St. Leo’s Catholic Church and was very involved in the parish community. One of Ben’s strong beliefs was Community Service. Some of the organizations he served on were the GI Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill, Central Catholic High School, St. Leo’s Parish Council, Third City Community Clinic, Downtown Development Association, Nebraska Pharmacists Association, Friends of Grand Island Parks, and many others. Ben had many hobbies and enjoyed many adventures with family and friends. He loved to fly fish and hunt. He made many lifelong friends in his pursuits of fun and new experiences. His love of life was infectious, as was his smile. Ben enjoyed playing guitar and listening to music. He loved woodworking, making furniture and doing construction projects at home. Ben was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Mike. He is survived by his wife Arlene, his brother Richard and his sister Diane (Buhrman). He will be missed by his children, Stephen (Sheila) of Leawood, KS, Tom (Jodi) of Bella Vista, AR, and Amy (Trent) Hill of Grand Island. Papa Ben is dearly beloved by his grandchildren: Jordan, Sam, Sean, and Kelly, Skyler, Meagan, Hope and Thaddeus, and Madeline and Molly (Hill). Memorials in Ben’s name are suggested to The Friends of Grand Island Parks or Grand Island Central Catholic.

Benedict "Ben" Wassinger

November 20, 1942 - June 7, 2024

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Benedict "Ben" Wassinger

November 20, 1942 - June 7, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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