Benjamin Raymond Veldkamp, age 83, formerly of Luverne, Minnesota, died on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at his home in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. He was born October 31, 1928 on the family farm in Inwood, IA to Al and Dena (Ruisch) Veldkamp. Ben attended country school in rural Lyon County, IA.  Upon completion of his schooling, he remained on the farm to help his parents.  On February 7, 1950, Ben was united in marriage to Darlene Schuller in Ireton, Iowa.  Following their marriage the couple worked as farmhands in Sioux County, IA until 1953 when they moved to Lyon County.  In 1957 they moved to Rock County, Minnesota, where they lived and farmed until 1968.  At this time, Ben and his family moved to Pipestone County, Minnesota, and farmed for the next 18 years.  In 1986, Ben retired from farming and he and Darlene moved to Pipestone, Minnesota.  In 1991, the couple moved to Luverne, Minnesota and resided there until Ben recently moved to The Pines in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Ben also enjoyed the last four winters with his "Arizona family" in Mesa.
Dad is lovingly remembered by his five daughters, Glenda (Jon) Bergh of Forman, North Dakota, Barbara (Larry) Meyer of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Judy (Bruce) Larson of Andover, Minnesota, Jodene "Jody" (Bryan) Nelson of Hartley, Iowa, and Marci (Steve) Weiland of Ham Lake, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sisters Florence (J.C.) McKnight of Luverne, Minnesota, Arvilla Veldkamp of Luverne, Minnesota, and brother Elmer (Greta) Veldkamp of Jasper, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters Jeanette Beyer, Alice Kracht and Dorothy Rossow; and brother Jim.

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