Ben Plachta

Ben J. Plachta, 93, of South Haven died Wednesday, February 20 at Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation Community in South Haven.

He was born March 2, 1914 in Detroit, Michigan to John and Helen (Sowa) Plachta. Ben married Helen Witrykus on May 29, 1937 at St John of God in Chicago, Illinois. Ben worked as a tool & die maker for Foote Gear and for Ford Motor Company. Ben also worked as a custodian for 18 years for LC Mohr High School. Ben was a long time member of St. Basil Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Ben never stopped working. After his retirement he continued to work as a custodian for Jack Cook’s office. Ben nearly worked up until the day that he died.

He is preceded in death along with his parents by his wife – Helen Plachta who died in 2005. Brothers – John, Joseph, Stanley, Anthony, Frank and Walter. Sisters – Helen Adrian and Annie Szostak. Also by a daughter-in-law – Pat Plachta in 2005.

He is survived by his son – Ben “Bruno” Plachta of South Haven, Michigan. Three daughters – Helene (Edward) Szostak of Bolingbrook, Illinois, Kathleen (Robert) Valkner of Battle Creek, Michigan and Mary Ann (Philip) Leman of Bremen, Indiana. 19 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. Two sisters – Sophie Groszek of Streling, Michigan and Stella Hribek of Standish, Michigan.

Visitation will be Friday, February 29 from 2 – 8 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM. Visitation will again be on Saturday from 10 A.M. to the time of the service at the church. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, March 1, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Basil Catholic Church with Rev. Father Robert Flickinger, Rev. Father John Young, and Rev. Father Mitch Pacwa officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, South Haven. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Basil Educational Endowment fund. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.