Benjamin E. Schellenger

Benjamin E. Schellenger, 90, Rapid City, died Tuesday Dec. 19, 2006 at Fountain Springs Healthcare. Ben was born to Guy and Clara (Elfrink) Schellenger on Nov. 28, 1916 in Selby, SD. He graduated from Selby High School in 1933. He moved to Eugene, OR in 1937 and opened a grocery store with his brother Bernard and also attended the University at Eugene, OR. He married Mildred Hoyt in Pierre, SD on July 2, 1939. Mildred passed away in 1963. They lived in Oregon until he joined the Infantry in Aug. 1943. He was wounded in the Battle of the St. Loo in France and was honorably discharged on Feb 1, 1945 when he also received the Purple Heart. Ben then returned to South Dakota. On Dec. 12, 1964, he married Daisy L. Keester in Rapid City. He worked for the Corps of Engineers in North Dakota, working on the Garrison Dam and he was an accountant and office manager for Gifford Electrical Supply, Rapid City for 25 years. Ben was a member of the Sertoma Club in Rapid City; served a term as Quartermaster for the VFW Post #1273 and a member of the Western SD Traffic Bureau. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and VFW Post #1273. Ben is survived by his wife Daisy L. Schellenger, Rapid City and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Mildred (Hoyt) Schellenger, his parents and his brother Bernard Schellenger.