Bennie “Ben” Mammen

Bennie Mammen, age 74 of Morton, passed away Thursday, May 13, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family due to cancer. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Redwood Valley Funeral Home.  Interment will be in the Morton City Cemetery at a later date. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bennie Mammen was born January 26, 1947 to Merle and Ludie (Edmonds) Mammen in Redwood Falls, Minnesota.  He graduated from Redwood Falls High School and continued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he received a degree in Horticulture & Landscape Design.  Ben farmed with his father while in high school doing custom corn picking.  He then started driving truck for his Uncle Ronnie.  He was able to drive to every state, but Maine and of course Hawaii.  On May 28, 1971, Ben was united in marriage to Deb Ahrens in Morton. Before their daughter Heather was born, Ben went to work for Schueller’s Processing, as a butcher.  He also worked at Morgan’s Red Owl in Redwood Falls, as a meat cutter.  Ben started working for Harvest Land Coop., managing turkey barns.  His final job was at Runnings in Redwood Falls, where he finally was able to use his horticulture degree by tending to the greenhouse.  Ben was very active in Morton; there he served as mayor and on the city council. Ben valued family more than anything.  He tried to attend all the activities of his children and grandchildren to encourage them to do the best they could.  Ben and Deb were able to frequently visit the North Shore, where they spent their time hiking and exploring.  They were able to vacation in Alaska, where the highlight was white water rafting in Denali, and Scotland, where Deb’s great grandfather came from. Ben loved to drive fast in his 1969 Dodge Coronet RT 440.  He belonged to Memories in Motion Car Club and the St. Peter Auto Restorers Car Club.  Ben and Deb attended many car shows throughout the area and went to Nascar Races when they were able to get away.

Bennie is survived by his wife Deb of 50 years; children Heather (Shea) Carr of Alma, AR and Keegan (Shellie) Mammen of Morton; grandchildren: Abigail Teisinger, and Kyron & Ethin Mammen; sisters: Merlene (Darnell) Bratsch of Danube, Aundria Manuel of Willmar, and Lucindia Tyo of Yorba Linda, CA; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Timothy Manuel, and David Tyo.