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John Bennett Traffie Thomatz
1943 - 2025
BORN
1943
DIED
2025
John Thomatz Obituary
"Ben" was born in Biwabik, MN on July 22, 1943, and grew up in the Gilbert and Knife River areas. He graduated with the classes of 1961/62 in Gilbert, MN.
He worked 35 plus years at Reserve and LTV Mining. He dutifully was a truck driver, drill operator, and also worked in the crusher during that time.
In 1964 he married Patricia Bugge and they lived in Babbitt, MN. The proud parents brought into the world Matt and Candace Thomatz. They later divorced and John married Rachel (Empting) Mager in 1982.
"Ben" is survived by his wife, Rachel, his children, Matt (Fern) Thomatz, Candace (Matt) Camelon. Rachel's children: Bonnie Mager-Wiltgen, Wendy (Keith) Mitchell, Jeff (Misty) Mager and Jill (Tim) Killday.
He is also survived by sisters Mary (Chuck) Voss, Janet Gray and brother Robert (Le) Thomatz; 33 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
"Ben" was preceded in death by his grandparents Bengt and Hilma Walberg; his Father John Traffie, his mother Ruth and stepfather Matt R. Thomatz. Along with several grand and great grandchildren and special brother-in-law Ralph (Ralphie) Kuechle, who passed a day prior to "Benny" (as he called him).
He will be greatly missed by many relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held spring 2026 in Babbitt, MN.
Rest in peace, dear dad! We love and miss you!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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