Benjamin Huerth's Obituary
Benjamin "Ben/Benny" Huerth
Dear Benny,
I am so lucky to have been able to call myself your sister for these past 23 years. In all honesty, I thought I would have so much more time with you. The news of your passing felt like a kick to the chest and now time seems to pass by so slowly and I'm living a terrible nightmare. Selfishly, I'm sad for me - sad that my baby brother was taken away from me and sad that Sawyer is going to miss out on knowing a great man and a great uncle. Unselfishly, I'm sad that there were milestones in your life you had yet to experience including starting a family of your own and finishing your trucks.
You passed away on July 28th, 2017 doing what you love: driving one of your four vehicles. You were a "collector" of sorts, carrying a "one man's junk, is another man's treasure" mentality about you. Your passion for fixing your trucks is something that you will always be remembered for. Your closest friends and family will attest to that. In addition to collecting vehicles, you were also a collector of Zippos and frequently added to your collection.
Your passion also carried over to your relationships with your friends and family. If anyone needed a helping hand you were always there to lend it. You had a kind heart and a gentle soul and were a model son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. I am reminded of you in the country song "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" in the lines:
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas get there fast
Never stop to think "what's in it for me" or it's way too far"
They just show on up with their big old heart
You're probably rolling your eyes that I just quoted a country song but I think it's the perfect fit.
Complementing your mechanical inclination was your workmanship as a handyman. I don't think there was anything you couldn't fix and you took pride in your projects. You definitely were not afraid to get your hands dirty. I see this in dad and know that is where you got your work ethic from. I've also been told that you were quite the grillsman. I believe mom stated that you made the best steaks she has ever had. Women like a man that can cook so I know you would've made one very happy one day.
For as long as I can remember, you and I have shared a love of music, especially songs with a mean guitar riff. We had some pretty intense Guitar Hero battles back in the day and I begrudgingly admit that you walked away the winner nine times out of ten. I appreciated the variety in your music selections and that you opened my eyes to some great talent that I would've otherwise not considered. In the spirit of music, there are some lyrics from an Avenged Sevenfold song that resonate with your passing:
How do I live without the ones I love?
Time still turns the pages of the book its burned
Place and time always on my mind
And the light you left remains but it's so hard to stay
When I have so much to say and you’re so far away
You were always strong and courageous and those are attributes I know you took with you. We can all take comfort in knowing that you have been reunited with Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Vilas and that we have gained an additional guardian angel. Benny, if I can ask a final favor, it's that you never let us forget what an amazing man you were and that you don't ever forget about those you've left behind: your mom & dad, Kim and George Huerth, your sister, Amber Huerth, nephew, Sawyer Fenner, and soon to be brother-in-law, Sam Fenner, your grandparents Reggie & Judy Vergin, your aunts and uncles, Chris & Kelly Simon, Suzie Krueger, Dennis & Diane Huerth, Carol & Albert Johannes, Joey Huerth, and Gina & David Brooks, your cousins, Erica, Tyler, Justin, Jon, Andrew, Melanie & Haley and your many friends.
While we had our moments of fighting like cats and dogs when we were growing up, I think it established the framework for the solid relationship we had before you passed away. You will forever be my little brother and will always have a place in my heart. Not a day will go by that I won't be thinking of you. This isn't goodbye for me, but rather a long pause until we meet again. Until then, I'll be seeing you.
Love, your big sister, Amber.
A visitation and memorial service will be held for Ben on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at First Lutheran Church in Poy Sippi. The visitation will begin at 9AM and the service will immediately follow at 11AM. A luncheon will be held in the Poy Sippi park following the service.
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