Benjamin “Ben” E. Svihl, 84, Dickinson, died Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at his home. Ben’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Msgr. Patrick Schumacher as the celebrant. Inurnment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Bob Stockert presiding, at Ladbury Funeral Service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
Ben was born in Dickinson on March 13, 1929 and was raised on the family farm and ranch north of Dickinson on the Green River. He was educated at Versippi School, graduating from high school in three years.
Ben married Betty Jane Pavlicek on October 6, 1948 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, New Hradec. Together they farmed and ranched north of Dickinson on the Green River his entire life. He semi-retired in 1994, but continued to help take care and operate the home place. Betty and Ben moved into Dickinson in 2010, but he still kept and took care of a herd of cattle up to the time of his death. During the winter months, Ben also worked for Dakota West Electric and Cloverdale Creamery.
He belonged to the Eagles and the St. Anthony Club’s. He had a true passion for farming and ranching. He enjoyed fixing anything electrical or mechanical, and when possible going fishing, boating and especially spending time with the grandchildren.
Ben is survived by his wife, Betty; their eight children, Gaylene (Don) Schulz, Dickinson, Dennis (Marla) Svihl, Dickinson, Randy Svihl, Dickinson, Gregory (Bobbi) Svihl, Williston, Rocky (Genie) Svihl, Surprise, Ariz., twins-Kelly Svihl, Tonapah, Nev. and Kay Haag, Dickinson, and Tammy (Jamie) Jalbert, Dickinson; 21 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rolland (Yvonne) Svihl, and Gordon (Shirley) Svihl; sister-in-law, Pauline Svihl; and brother-in-law, Dick Payne.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 10 siblings and spouses, Emma (Louis) Kadrmas, Henry (Hattie) Svihl, Lillian Svihl, Mildred (Andrew) Binstock, Albert (Anna) Svihl, Betty (Clement) Hatzenbuhler, Charles Svihl, Dorothy Svihl, George (Grace) Svihl, and Blanche Payne; granddaughter, Sally Ann Svihl; in-laws, Emil and Bessie Pavlicek; and brother-in-law, Gary Pavlicek.
