Benjamin Maurer
Benjamin Leslie Maurer, Jr., was born on June 2, 1924, in Hopedale, Illinois, to Benjamin Leslie Maurer and Mary Jane Weihmeir Maurer. On September 5, 1948, he married Virginia Hatton at the Delavan Methodist Church, and they shared many wonderful years together until her passing. He was also preceded in death by their infant son, Gregory Lee. Years later, on May 10, 1997, he found love again and married Beverly Hatton Layton at her home in Pearl, Illinois.
Ben is survived by his wife Beverly, of Hopedale and Pearl; his daughter Brenda Maurer Dannewitz of Clearwater, FL; two grandchildren, Charles Maurer Dannewitz (Danielle) of Pine Mountain, GA, and Ashley Dannewitz Miller (Jake) of Charleston, WV; and four great-grandsons: Mason Charles, Christian Daniel, Preston James Dannewitz, and Graham Benjamin Miller. He is also survived by his three stepdaughters, Jeanette Howland (Dale) of Pearl, IL, Debbie Buchanan (Danny) of Pearl, IL, and Brenda Hayn (Todd) of Kampsville, IL, along with their children and grandchildren.
Ben dedicated his life to farming and remained in the Hopedale area throughout his years. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific aboard the USS Hanna(DE 449). He cherished the friendships made during his service and attended yearly reunions with his shipmates, even hosting two reunions on the family farm. Two highlights of his later years were participating in the Greater Peoria Honor Flight on June 2, 2022, an experience he cherished with Brenda. And he was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the 2022 Hopedale 4th of July Parade.
On June 2, 2024, Ben celebrated his 100th birthday at the Maurer Farm, surrounded by family and friends in a place rich with history and personal meaning. The celebration was a joyous gathering that honored Ben's life and legacy. His family took great pride in hosting the event on the farm, which has been in the family for generations, marking the milestone of a century with love, music, laughter, and memories shared under the summer sky.
Ben was a lifelong member of the Hopedale United Methodist Church and active in many organizations. He was a member of the Flying Farmers Association, the Destroyer Escort Association, and served on the school boards for the Hopedale and Trioka districts. He was also a Mason, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite member, and belonged to the Mohammed Shrine in Peoria.
A passionate restorer, Ben took great pleasure in restoring old tractors, cars, trucks, and various machines, as well as antique musical instruments, including an Edison Victrola and a player piano. He lovingly restored his father-in-law's 1952 International red pickup truck for his daughter Brenda's 60th birthday. Ben also enjoyed mowing the yard, giving children rides on his riding lawn mower, and spending time in his shop, where he could always be found fixing and repairing something. His favorite spot, however, was his “summer office”—a glider under the big tree in his yard.
Above all, Ben was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his faith, family, farm, and friends. He also loved entertaining family and friends with musical performances, movie nights, and slide shows.
Monday, February 17, 2025, a visitation will be held at the Hopedale United Methodist Church from Noon to 2:30pm. A celebration of Ben's life will take place immediately following.
The celebration of Ben’s life will be live-streamed at the following link: bit.ly/BenMaurerFuneral.
A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Shiloh Cemetery in rural Hopedale.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Greater Peoria Honor Flight; PO Box 5072, Peoria IL. 61601