Ben Smidstra

Luverne, MN

    Ben Smidstra age 91 of Luverne, MN died Friday, October 14, 2022, at Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, MN.

     Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 19^th at the American Reformed Church in Luverne, MN.  Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids, IA.

     Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the American Reformed Church in Luverne, MN.

     Ben was born on November 26, 1930, in Edna, IA, the son of Charles and Reika (Kracht) Smidstra. He was raised on a farm outside of Rock Rapids, IA and attended country school through the eighth grade. Education took a back seat to give a helping hand on the family farm. In September 1954, at the age of 24, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he honorably and proudly served his country shortly after the Korean Conflict ended. Although no peace treaties were signed, he was tasked to serve out his enlistment in Japan, near Tokyo. While he was abroad, his family moved to what became the family farm south of Luverne, MN. After his tour was completed in August 1956, he returned where his heart called him to be, which was back in Luverne on the family farm.

     Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Lylas, at a roller-skating rink in Rock Rapids, IA, where Ben was known to tear up the rink. They later enjoyed going on dates at that very place. They learned that they had lived most of their lives only several miles apart. Ben and Lylas were united in marriage December 3, 1958. They bought the family farm once Ben’s parents were ready to retire and continued the legacy his father started there. They were blessed with two sons, Charles and Joel.

     From a young age, Ben had a love of horses, and that love continued onto his own farm where he used his work horses to complete most of the farming operations. He did it because he enjoyed it and was not bothered by the extra work or the farm world evolving around him. Ben enjoyed many different animals throughout his farming life, including dairy cows, cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, geese, and chickens. He was also known to always have a loyal farm dog and farm cats.

     In 1981, his son Joel suffered a life-altering car accident, where he became paralyzed. Ben and Lylas began caring for and assisting Joel in learning to adapt to his new reality. The love they poured into him and their dedication to help him profoundly changed the course of his life.

In August of 1985, Ben became a grandpa. From that time on, he was often accompanied by a trusty sidekick or two, as the grandchildren spent many weekends and summers on the farm with him and Lylas. They devoted much of their time to helping care for them. He was adored by his five grandchildren and was the most amazing role model for them to look up to.  His patient, loving, gentle demeanor was what made spending time with him so special. Many favorite memories were made on that farm with them.

     In the last 10 years, Ben remained steadfast in caring for Lylas as her health declined. In February 2018, Lylas moved to the Minnesota Veterans Home where Ben visited her every day. In October 2019, after his own declining health, Ben moved the same facility. He and Lylas spent all their time together. They enjoyed visiting, talking about old times, doing activities, and singing hymns. Ben enjoyed taking Lylas on strolls and was often heard singing to her. Lylas passed away in October 2021. They were married for sixty-three beautiful years and although Ben was devastated and missed her every single day, he leaned on his faith and trust that he would see her again in Heaven. He picked up new hobbies and filled his time with visiting other residents, staff, and family. Ben was always looking for work to do and ways to stay busy.

To know Ben was to love him. He was humble, hardworking, gracious, and selfless and always found a way to help those in need, even when he did not have much. He was a genuine man, who loved God and loved his family. Nothing else mattered to him. He was a hero to his family and taught them to find value in moments, rather than things. Ben treasured life with Lylas, his sons, and grandchildren. He was the greatest example of what a husband, father, grandfather, and friend should be.

     Ben is survived by his son Charles Smidstra of Luverne, MN; 5 grandchildren, Ben Smidstra of Luverne, MN, Christina (Jose) Grijalva of Luverne, MN, Bethany Smidstra (partner Brandon Englert) Rock Rapids, IA, Melissa (Fady) Smidstra of Michigan, Erin Jerke (Jordan) of Harrisburg, SD; 15 great grandchildren, Gavin, Adriana, and Gabriella Grijalva, Trenton, Lucas, Garrett, Lilliana, Amara, and Scarlett Englert, Claire Eaton, Yunis, Eesah, Musa and Bilal Al-Aqidi, and Everleigh Jerke; Brother-in-law, Joe Jeffer of Luverne, MN, sister-in-law, Delores Jurrens of Ellsworth, MN; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

     Ben is preceded in death by his wife, Lylas Smidstra; son, Joel Smidstra; parents, Charles and Reika Smidstra; parents-in-laws, Everett and Juel Jurrens; two brothers, Albert (Harriet) Smidstra and Bert (Albertha) Smidstra, four sisters, Jennie (Jack) Vande Weerd, Suzie (Hank) Kelderman, Jessie (Harvey) Wiersma, and Wilma Jean Jeffer; one brother-in-law, Donald Jurrens; one infant sister-in-law.

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