Benjamin Allen Detweiler
October 13, 1973 - January 11, 2026
Benjamin A. Detweiler, aged 52, of Grangeville, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026 after a battle with cancer. Ben was born on October 13, 1973 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Gary and Beth Detweiler. Growing up in a rural area outside Lincoln with three siblings, he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and all they had to offer.
Ben graduated from Lincoln Christian High School, where he met his one and only love, Jennie, during his junior year. He attended the University of Nebraska before earning his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Creighton University in May 1998. Just four months later, he married Jennie and moved to Potlatch, Idaho, where he got his first job at Gritman Health. After a brief move to Minnesota where his son Justin was born in 2001, they moved back to the beautiful state of Idaho and all the outdoor amenities it offered. Following four years in Coeur d'Alene and the birth of his son, Ryan, in 2005, Ben felt drawn to the family-friendly atmosphere of Grangeville, Idaho. It was here that he built the family's long-term home, spent his free time exploring the local wilderness, and teaching his children how to appreciate it. Professionally, he became a pillar of the community, helping to rehabilitate countless people at the local physical therapy clinics, where many of his most cherished friendships began. Late in his career, he took co-ownership and operation of Western Meats, which he enjoyed and excelled in.
Ben was an avid motorcycle rider, a skilled and ethical hunter, and shade tree mechanic. He preferred a sleeping bag over his own bed, could fix about anything in front of him, and gave nothing but his best of what he was asked. He was always quick to make friends and difficult to provoke. Above all, he was a man of God, ultimately finding solace and contentment in the concrete foundation of his faith. He was a witness in faith to his family and friends, in a desire they be saved and he may see them again.
Ben is survived by his beloved wife, Jennie; his two sons, Justin and Ryan; siblings Jason and Abby; and his parents Gary and Beth. He is preceded in death by his youngest brother Jeffery, who surely is happy to see him again.
Please join us for Ben's Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 17th, at 11 a.m. The service will be held at Grangeville Christian Church, located at 402 W. South 1st St., Grangeville, Idaho. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at
blackmerfuneralhome.com.
Blackmer Funeral Home
305 N Mill Street
Grangeville, ID 83530
208-983-0740
Published by Lincoln Journal Star on Jan. 15, 2026.