Fennimore, WI- Bernard A.“Ben” Riemenapp, age 87, of Fennimore/Preston, died on Friday morning Sept. 4, 2015 at the Fennimore Good Samaritan Society. Ben was born on Feb. 21, 1928 in Dickeyville, WI the son of Clem and Elizabeth (Pickel) Riemenapp. He was united in marriage to Donna Schuler on May 25, 1950.
After attending Fennimore High School, Ben engaged in farming. He later worked as a mechanic for Russell Preston for a few years until becoming a car salesman for Klusendorf Chevrolet and Buick in Dodgeville. He thoroughly loved his job and worked there for over 35 years. Upon his retirement, Ben began operating a small engine repair shop out of his garage in Preston for over 15 years. He continued this work well into his 80’s until retiring due to his health. “Gentle Ben” will be remembered for his wonderful care and compassion for his family, especially his grandchildren, his great sense of humor, and his fairness towards everyone.
Ben is survived by his seven children; Pat (Lonnie) Freymiller of Fennimore, Charles (Penny) Riemenapp of Boscobel, Donita (Steve Pasold) Bender of Blue River, Ken (Loretta) Riemenapp of Montfort, Kurt (Kathi) Riemenapp of Dodgeville, Torri (Randy) Govier of Fennimore, and Kevin (Mary Nuenthel) Riemenapp of Montfort, 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, siblings; Imelda (Jack) Northouse of Fennimore, Elizabeth Hoffman of Fennimore, and Ambrose “Pete” Riemenapp of Lynxville, and sister-in-law Catherine Riemenapp of Fennimore.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna on Nov. 14, 2013, granddaughter Jessica Lipska, brother Vernon Riemenapp, and brother-in-law Robert Hoffman.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday Sept. 8, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fennimore with burial to follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Monday evening Sept. 7, 2015 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. also at the funeral home on Tuesday morning.