Benjamin Dieters

     Benjamin Dieters age 31, of Larchwood, IA died Saturday, September 8, 2018 as the result of a tragic auto accident near Larchwood.

     Ben was born October 29, 1986 to Karl and Viki Dieters of Larchwood, IA. Ben attended and graduated from West Lyon High School in May of 2005. During his high school years Ben was very active in the West Lyon FFA program in which he won many awards. After high school Ben, or as known to many as “Benny” went into full time farming with his dad Karl. His big, warm smile and ever sparkling bright baby blue eyes caught the eye of his high school sweetheart Jody Teunissen. On August 21^st, 2010 Ben and Jody were united in marriage. Ben was a member of the First Reformed Church of Inwood, IA and was a devoted, loving husband and father to Jody and their children Payton Lynn (3) and Leighton John (4 months). He had a quiet personality with a big heart and an even bigger beard, which he was very proud of.

     Since he was little, Ben’s passion for farming was evident. Ben was everybody’s “right hand man” and was quick to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it, especially when it came to farm work. Working on the family farm meant Karl was more than just Ben’s dad; he was also his business partner, right hand man and best friend. Most days were spent together between corn rows or tending to farm animals. These two were a mirror image of each other. Together they would drive through the fields checking crops, each with an arm resting on the pickup window sill. By summer’s end, both had an opposing limb slightly tanner than the other.

     Ben and his dad Karl were often seen grilling up meat for a local benefit. Ben was a lifetime member of the Granite Threshing Bee Association. He and his dad, along with the help of family and friends, grilled up thousands of meals over the years for the 3 day event. Ben was put in charge of cooking up the ever popular “deep fried potatoes” for the event. Ben had a very giving heart when it came to helping others. He would drop everything and help wherever the need was. Ben wasn’t afraid of work and never complained about it. He believed God put him on this earth to help and serve others-and his actions showed he tried very hard to do just that. Ben was a “one of a kind person” you couldn’t help but love, the kind who always put others first.

     Ben kept busy farming, taking care of his cows and hog buildings and helping out at Steffes Auction. In his little free time, he enjoyed hunting and four wheeling with the guys and a little PBR, freezing corn, canning pickles, salsa, and pears with Jody, family and friends. While farming was Ben’s passion, his true calling was fatherhood. Throughout his life, kids were always drawn to Ben’s gentle and fun-loving disposition. As a parent, Ben’s eyes lit up when he saw his children. He got the most joy out of spending time with Jody, Payton and Leighton. His pride stemmed from watching his daughter grow and explore. Payton’s courage and free spirit brought a smile to his face whether it was feeding the stinky pigs, riding on his lap, doing chores or the many RZR rides spent together. Ben’s love was truly unmeasurable and his eyes beamed when his baby boy was born. Leighton is the spitting image of his dad with his never ending smile, happy go lucky personality and bright blue eyes. Ben was so proud to share his baby blue eyes with both of his babies – they were his life.

     Thankful for getting to be a part of Ben’s life and who will truly miss him are his wife Jody, children Payton and Leighton, parents Karl and Viki, sister Molly, father and mother in law Dan and Michelle Teunissen, sisters and brothers in law Stan and Amanda Metzger, Jason Teunissen, Adam and Libby Teunissen, nephews Asher Dieters, Bryce and Ridge Metzger. Grandparents Richard Sundem, Jeanne Landegent, and Betty Teunissen. Proceeding him in death were his grandparents Carol Sundem, Jake and Ida Dieters, Case Landegent, and Gilbert Teunissen.