Benjamin Phillip Edward Endres

Benjamin Phillip Edward Endres, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at the age of 83. He was born on August 15, 1939 in Wichita, Kansas to the late Ernest Endres and Beverly (Chalfant) Kaiser. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, his two dear sisters, Ernestine (Endres) Holmes and Elizabeth “Bessie” (Endres) Armstrong, his first wife, Joyce Endres, and his beloved eldest grandson, Evan Benjamin Endres.

On December 7, 1991 in Elkhart, he was united in marriage to Cathy Rahn, who survives.

Along with his loving wife, Ben is survived by his children: Benjamin Jr (Colleen) Endres of Seward, Alaska; Eric Endres, Chris (Heather) Endres, Timothy Endres, Stephen (Melissa) Endres all of South Bend; Liane (Eric) Coleman of Tampa, FL; and Matthew (Valerie) Seymore of Fort Wayne, IN., as well as 17 grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother, John Kaiser, of Long Island, NY.

Ben was a graduate of John Adams High School, where he was a 4-year starter in football, basketball, and track, which led to the creation of the “Dimples” fan club, after his winning smile. He worked as a delivery driver for UPS and retired in 2000 with 32 years of service. He and Cathy have been faithful members of Community Baptist Church and he never got over the fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross to forgive him of all his sins.

Ben is fondly remembered for meeting people and talking to them as if they were old friends. His warm nature and favorite jokes endeared him to all who knew him.

Ben was a Notre Dame fan, avid golfer, scuba-diver and a skilled sportsman, as well as a faithful (and vocal!) supporter at all of his family’s sports games and events. Ben was happiest when he was surrounded by his family, both on hunting and fishing trips as well as holiday get-togethers, with the highlight usually being the retelling of his favorite family stories and jokes. His family rejoices that he is in Heaven, but he is so dearly missed already.

Funeral services for Ben will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Community Baptist Church, 5715 Miami Rd, South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Graveside service with burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Benjamin’s honor to Community Baptist Church, 5715 Miami Rd, South Bend, IN 46614.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Posted online on September 03, 2022

Published in South Bend Tribune

09/04/2022 EJS