Benjamin Lyle Ninham, 79, of Keshena, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, at a local nursing home. Born on Nov. 27, 1933, in Morgan Siding, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Amy (Leicher) Ninham.
In his younger years, Benjamin was an excellent athlete and excelled in all sports. He was inducted into the Menominee Hall of Fame and almost became a professional baseball player. After graduating from high school, Benjamin enlisted with the United States Army. On Oct. 18, 1958, he was united in marriage to Delores M. Lyons at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. She preceded him in death on Oct. 26, 2008. Benjamin worked at Menominee Tribal Enterprise until retiring. He was also on the Keshena Fire Department and volunteered for many organizations, including Habitat for Humanity. On Sept. 26, 2009, he married Joyce (nee Kenote) Johnson at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano, where Benjamin was a member. He was also a member of the Menominee Vets. Benjamin had an amazing sense of humor with a gift of gab and a knack for telling stories. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Florida, as well as playing cards and bingo.
Benjamin is survived by his wife, Joyce; two daughters, Lona (Keith) Tourtillott and Lori Ninham; four stepchildren, Tim (Michelle) Johnson, James (Amy) Johnson, Jeff (Tracy) Johnson, Wendy (Dan) Dobczyk; six grandchildren, Loretta, Danielle, Alyssa, Mariah, Rikki, Keith Jr.; seven stepgrandchildren, Michael, Jordan, Kirbey, Tylor, Brooklyn, Derek, Brian; five great-grandchildren, Mason, K.J., Anthony, Ryan, Tiara; and a great-great-granddaughter, Aurora Raine. Benjamin is further survived by eight siblings, Joyce, Guy, Pokey (Alex), Kenny (Diane), Richard, Robert, Ardis Mae (Dave) and Boom (Effie); and two special brothers-in-law, Dennis and Ronnie.
Benjamin was preceded in death by his first wife, Delores; his daughter, Lisa Lynn Ninham; two brothers, Wayne and Joe; a sister, Alma Jean; and two sisters-in-law, Janice and Dort.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano with the Rev. Giselle Berninghaus officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Menominee American Legion Post 497 at the church following the service. Visitation will be held at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Sunday from 4-8 p.m. and at the church on Monday from noon until the time of the service.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
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