Bennie Hollesen Sr.

Bennie "Ben" Lew Hollesen Sr., 76, of Spencer, and formerly of Sioux Rapids, died Jan. 7, 2025 at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer. Funeral services will take place Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids. Burial will be in the Lone Tree Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 14, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home in Sioux Rapids.

Ben was born Feb. 15, 1948, to Dean and Beverly (Thomas) Hollesen in Spencer. He was baptized at the Montgomery Methodist Church in Montgomery, Illinois. Ben attended school at East Aurora High School in Aurora, Illinois, graduating in 1967.

On June 28, 1969, Ben was united in marriage to Marilyn Bohr at St. Nicholas Church in Aurora, Illinois. The couple was blessed with two children: Bennie Jr. and Anne.

The family moved to Sioux Rapids in January of 1974 where Ben worked with his parents at “The Office,” a bar that was owned and operated by the Hollesen family from 1970-2006. There you could find Ben, pouring drinks, tapping a cold beer, playing cards in the afternoons, grilling his famous charbroiled burgers, playing pool and indulging in a drink or two (after hours of course). “The Office” was Ben’s way of life, he truly enjoyed his work and all the patrons throughout the day and made several strangers into friends over the years. Ben always made everyone feel welcome.

Ben enjoyed spending time attending family sporting events for his children and grandchildren; Ben especially enjoyed football games. The family made many special memories on numerous camping trips and have many fond moments camping at the Buena Vista County Campground south of Peterson. Ben loved cooking over campfires and enjoyed making several dishes via his seasoned cast iron pots and pans. He loved bringing new life to an old cast iron pan. Ben was an avid storyteller and loved carrying on a conversation. He was a gentle bearded giant with a big heart and was a friend to many over the years. More than anything, he treasured time with his family and friends. Ben will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Bev Hollesen; in-laws, Albert and Rosemary Bohr; and special family friend, Chad Perrigo.

Left to cherish Ben’s memory include his wife, Marilyn Hollesen of Spencer; children, Bennie Jr. (Val) Hollesen, Anne Hagedorn; sister, Deanna R. Johnson of Montgomery, Illinois; grandchildren, Tanner (Mikaela) Perrigo, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Grace Hagedorn, Mattie Hagedorn, Sawyer Hollesen, Briann Hollesen; great-grandchildren, Jagger and Beckham Perrigo; family and friends.

The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.