Benjamin A. “Ben” Reckard, 87, formerly of Dunn Center, died peacefully on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at his home in Dickinson. There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Ladbury Funeral Service with a Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dorothy Stein officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Dunn Center Cemetery.
Benjamin “Ben” Aaron Reckard was born on the family ranch, September 10, 1931. He was the youngest child and only son of Benjamin F. “Frank” and Reidun (Loraas) Reckard. He was preceded in the family by three sisters, Irene, Dorothy and Hazel.
Ben attended Connolly #1 (rural) School and was allowed to skip one grade due to his quick learning ability. He graduated from rural school and had just begun high school in Dunn Center when he was required to return home due to his father’s illness. Ben took over running the family ranch at a young age.
He was talented at making things from nothing, including vehicles and machines. Ben had hoped to travel so he rented the ranch to a neighbor for a few months and headed for areas he had never seen.
He worked in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the Forest Service. He met Pamela Davis through mutual friends. She was a registered nurse working at Jackson Hospital. They were married on January 14, 1967 in Michigan where Pam’s family lived.
Ben and Pam worked together on their Diamond A Ranch in Dunn Center for more than 50 years, raising cattle. The ranch had its 100th birthday while they owned and lived there. They moved to Dickinson in 2015.
Ben is survived by his wife, Pam; sister, Hazel Christensen; two nephews; and one niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Reidun; his sisters, Irene (Werner) Sather, Dorothy (Oliver) Light; and his brother-in-law, Curtis Christensen.
