Ben J. Marquardt, 81, of St. Helen, Mich., passed away Monday, May 2, 2011 at Horizon Senior Living in St. Helen.

Ben was born on June 24, 1929 in Starke County, North Judson, Ind. to Benjamin and Eva (Smith) Marquardt, both of whom preceded him in death, along with two sisters and two brothers-in-law Norma, (Tom) Buckley and Mona (Ralph) Meiss.

During Ben’s high school years he worked at Nickels Drug Store. He always liked talking with the customers and never knew a stranger.

Ben graduated in 1947 from Chesterton High School, Chesterton, Ind. He worked as an adjuster for AAA Insurance until his retirement September 1985 and moved to St. Helen, Mich.

Ben enjoyed in his many years hunting, fishing, golfing, playing cards and square dancing.

He was a member of St. Helen Community Baptist Church.

On April 14, 1967 in Niles, he married Joyce (Schwalm) Marquardt, who survives. He is survived by a son, Alan (Charlene) of Niles; a daughter, Shelley (Tony) Reid of Stevensville; three grandchildren, Aaron Marquardt of Niles, Melinda (Mark) Newton of Riverside, Mich. and Stephanie Cummings of Coloma; four great-grandchildren, Randall Newton, Katrina, Amber, Hailey Cummings; one sister, Evanna (LeRoy) Colling of Chesterton, Ind.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen will be held Thursday, May 12 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 13 at St. Helen Community Baptist Church with visitation beginning at the church at 10 a.m.  Pastor Ken Peterson will officiate.

The burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Brookside Cemetery, West Branch.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Advantage or to the charity of your choice.