DEFIANCE - Benjamin Lee "Ben" Huner, 75, of Defiance, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital.
He was born on August 1, 1948, to the late Melvin and Eleanor (Thieroff) Huner in Defiance, Ohio. Ben was a 1966 graduate of Defiance High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp. from 1968 to 1970. On September 1, 2004, he married Roxanne Willitzer, who survives.
Ben was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Defiance Eagles #372 where he worked part-time, and was a life member of VFW #3360 and AmVets #1991. He worked for several years at General Motors until his retirement. Ben was very athletic and played all kinds of sports in high school. He enjoyed fishing, camping, taking care of his property, and loved to golf at Auglaize. Ben was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns and Indians. Ben loved spending time with his family, and will be incredibly missed by his family and many good friends.
Ben is survived by his loving wife Roxanne of Defiance, his daughter, Missy (B.J. Shartzer) Huner of Ft. Jennings, Ohio, stepchildren Joshua (Beth) Dixon and Erin (Cory Boyd) Dixon, all of Defiance, his grandchildren, Clayton (Tiffany) Roehrig of Clarkston, Michigan, and Ellie Mae (Christian Waynick) Roehrig of Temperance, Michigan, great-grandson Crew Roehrig, six step-grandchildren, his brothers, David (JoAnn) Huner of Washington, DC and Ronald (Amy) Huner of Defiance, two nephews and one great-nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Eleanor Huner, and one nephew.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance with a brief service by AmVets at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with Rev. David Brobston officiating. One hour of additional visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. Ben's wishes were to be cremated. An Inurnment service will take place at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Ft. Defiance Humane Society, and Veterans organization, St. Paul Lutheran Church, or to a
charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at
www.Schafferfh.com.

Published by The Crescent-News on Feb. 13, 2024.