Bennett "Ben"

A. Bazelman

Bennett "Ben" Adam Bazelman, 87, of O'Neill, died Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a parish rosary.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. Fr. Bernard Starman officiated.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the O'Neill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department or to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, both in O'Neill, in Ben's name.

The world became a brighter place when Bennett was born to Fritz and Ruby Bazelman on July 24th, 1936, the hottest day ever recorded in Nebraska. He graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1954, and married Cecelia Babl on Aug. 18th, 1958. Ben was born into eternal life Dec. 1st, 2023 after a long and happy life. 

Ben was an integral part of the O'Neill community. In his early years, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and JayCee's and was a long-time member of O'Neill Chamber of Commerce and Holt County Visitors Committee. Ben took great pride in being a member of the O'Neill Fire and Rescue Department, including serving as president and ambulance captain for several terms. His membership on the Fire Department spanned 52 years, during which he made thousands of trips to Omaha and surrounding hospitals transporting patients for medical treatment. Patients and their families often personally requested Ben as their ambulance driver due to his kindness and professionalism.

Ben was a member of the O'Neill City Hall of Fame and received numerous service awards from the O'Neill Chamber of Commerce. Ben and Cecelia were honored as Irish King and Queen in 2014. 

He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and attended weekly services throughout his life. He often joked that he attended church so often because he had to help sing in the choir despite having no singing experience.

  Ben and Cecelia were business owners, owning the Carriage House Motel for over 25 years and remodeling it several times, as well as the Sears Catalog Store for five years. Ben also worked as the O'Neill City Clerk for several years. 

Ben enjoyed woodworking and remodeling and was always working on a new project. He enjoyed long drives around town and the countryside, trips to the cabin and boating in South Dakota. Watching his grandchildren in their sporting events was a joy he and Cecelia both shared. He also had an affinity for Coke and Dr. Pepper, and a sweet tooth for York Peppermint Patties and Bing candy bars. 

Ben loved his family, friends and community. He never missed an opportunity to inquire about what was going on in the lives of all the people he encountered. He would spend hours visiting and catching up with people he loved. Ben Bazelman never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Ben is survived by his wife of 65 years Cecelia; one son Joe (Debbie) Bazelman of O'Neill; two daughters Tracey (Scott) Kaup of Stuart and Sue (Tom) Carmody of Eau Claire, WI; 11 grandchildren Tammy and Steven Bazelman, Alison Schaaf, Sarah Thomas, Annie Sundell, Benjamin Kaup, McKenzie, Madelyn, Brendan, Lauren and Cameron Carmody; and 16 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Fritz and Ruby Bazelman and on infant sister Mary Jo Bazelman. 

Thank you to the staff at Arbor Care who made Dad feel treasured and comforted during his time as a resident and to Dr. Winklebauer and the staff at Avera St. Anthony's who made him comfortable in his final days.