Benjamin John Litwin

Benjamin John Litwin, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on December 14, 2025. He was born in Edgar, WI on November 9,1940, the seventh of twelve children. He spent his formative years in Mosinee, WI excelling in basketball, football, and track during high school.

He obtained a degree from Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee and later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from UW-Milwaukee spending the majority of his career as the Associate Director of Admissions at UW-Milwaukee. During this time he also served proudly in the Air Force Reserves.

As a man who wore many hats, he often helped children of friends with the admissions process at UWM. He was a travel partner for Mary's nephew, Patrick and his friend Jon, destinations including New York, Boston, New Orleans, Mexico, and Las Vegas, to name a few. He was also a constant companion to Mary's mother, Lorraine, who lived with her for 3 years following a stroke.

Ben's interests included cooking and cooking shows, taking long walks with Mary, and maintaining his flower and vegetable gardens. He was a voracious reader of mystery novels and also enjoyed going to Next Act Theatre and symphony concerts with Mary.

He loved traveling, especially to Europe and Mexico. He cherished time spent in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico, with his long-time best friend Rod (Wilma) Harder. Until recently he enjoyed his daily workouts at the health club, where he cherished the camaraderie of friends.

As a member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, he enjoyed meeting and greeting parishioners every Sunday while ushering with Grandpa Ken.

Ben leaves behind the love of his life and best friend, Mary Ruffolo, her sisters, Jo Ann (the late E. James) Aiman and Carolyn (Mike) Payne, along with their children, Daniel (Lisa) Aiman, Patrick Aiman, Michael Bjelajac, Nicholas (Cassandra) Bjelajac, and Danielle (Craig) Fellion, and their daughter, Emma. Further survived by brothers, Ken (Sandy) Litwin, Michael (Cindy) Litwin and sisters, Elizabeth (Adrian) Susa, and Audrey (the late Stan) Kleczewski, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was especially close to nephews, Jeff and Rich, with whom he shared many happy memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Theresa (Nee Knetter) Litwin, four brothers, and three sisters. 

Ben lived a life of laughter, kindness, and devotion to family and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Milwaukee on January 2, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon. The church is located at 3722 South 58th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53220. Friends and family are invited to gather to honor and celebrate the life of Benjamin John Litwin. In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish is appreciated.