Benedict Alois Heuertz, 87, of Valley Falls, KS passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024 at the Topeka Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was born January 31, 1937 in Lawrence, KS, the son of Benedict A. & Clara Louise Heuertz.

He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1955. After high school Ben and his brother, John, joined the U.S. Army in 1959. Ben served in the Vietnam War, also stationing in Germany, where he met his wife.

After returning home Ben worked for Haul-Mor Truck Bodies in Valley Falls for over 20 years. He worked as a carpenter and painter for many years until the company was sold. Ben went to work for Frito Lay in Topeka as a Quality Control Inspector for over 10 years before retiring.

Ben was a member of the Valley Falls Grahem-Herbers VFW Post 3084 and Knights of Columbus at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading and riding around on his mower. One of his loves was to follow the grandkids and great-grandkids various events. Ben- most prized times were spent with his wife, Maria, on their Friday evening dinners in Holton, and dancing. He even enjoyed his wife- love for polka music.

On March 10, 1962, Ben married Maria Agnes Fuchs in Hanau, Germany. They celebrated over 47 years of marriage before her passing on March 12, 2009.

Survivors include a son, Richard Heuertz (Angela) of Tecumseh, KS; 2 daughters, Martha York of Valley Falls, KS and Betina Brading (Bill) of Topeka, KS; 3 sisters, Carolyn S. Lewis of Topeka, KS, Margaret M Stower of Topeka, KS and Ruth B. Remmers Ware (Tony) of Lawrence, KS; 1 brother, Phillip G. Heuertz of Valley Falls, KS; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at St Mary's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. A Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. Monday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. A vistiation will follow the Rosary until 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to Grahem-Herbers VFW Post 3084 c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com