Ben W. Altheimer

Ben Walters Altheimer, of Florissant, Missouri, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the age of 74. Loving husband of 52 years to Ruth Altheimer; devoted father of Margaret (Stuart) Rodeffer, Ben (Heike) Altheimer, Joseph (Carrie) Altheimer, Jennie (Kevin Peterson) Altheimer, Lisa Altheimer, and Daniel (Dr. Tobias) Kulik; cherished grandfather of Lenah (Wyatt Rickly) Altheimer, Dylan Altheimer, Zane Altheimer, Holly Altheimer, Eva Altheimer, Anna Altheimer, Gracie Barlow, Jalen Barlow, Sadie Barlow and Cody Barlow. 

Ben loved science and the outdoors. He received his Bachelor’s in Chemistry from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. He worked in the Foundry industry and retired after more than 25 years as a Production Control Coordinator.   

As an avid outdoorsman, Ben loved camping with family and friends. He had a membership at Lost Valley Lake and enjoyed traveling around the U.S. with his wife to camp in their RV. They visited almost all 50 states and always looked forward to their trips with their grandchildren. He also was a lifelong photographer and made sure to capture the fun-filled times he and his family had together. As an avid history buff, Ben loved to share historical moments with everyone and always told fascinating stories. 

Ben was very active and played competitive paintball when he was younger. As part of Calvin’s Crusaders, he had a blast beating out his sons whenever he could! He loved boardgames, such as Stone Age, Raccoon Tycoon, and Catan, as well as playing cards, and again loved it when he overtook his grandkids at any of the games. Ben also loved dancing with his wife, whether at a wedding or the Casaloma Ballroom, he always swept her off her feet.  

Most important to Ben was his family, and his favorite thing to do was to tell the grandchildren “It’s Cherry Time” and they would line up for Grandpa to dole out a cherry to each of them.  He was a wonderful and fun husband, dad, grandpa, and friend and will be remembered for his loving nature, quick whit, and great sense of humor.  

Ben was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Memorial contributions may be made in Ben's name to Dorothy Day House of Memphis.