Benjamin Wake

Benjamin Franklin Wake 1925 ~ 2009 Benjamin Franklin Wake passed away at his home on Sept. 20, 2009, at age 84, following a lengthy and dignified battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Ben was born Feb. 24, 1925 in Roswell, NM. As a boy, he worked hard on several ranches, enjoyed sports and was an accomplished trumpet player. Ben served in the Korean War as a medic on a Navy troop ship caring for amputee patients. He earned degrees from the Univ. of Colo. and the Univ. of Pittsburgh. Ben married Irene Margaret Oestreich on Dec. 19, 1948 in Denver, Co. They moved to Helena, Montana where he worked tirelessly for 28 years as the Director of Environmental Sciences for the Montana State Board of Health. Ben was active in the LDS church and played a fundamental role in the growth of the church in Montana. He loved teaching gospel doctrine and singing in the choir. His wish for his children is to love each other and to lead full and happy lives. Theres so much of life to enjoy. The family would like to thank Dr. Dale Rutledge and the hospice staff for their many hours of service. A viewing will be held at the McDougal Funeral Home (4330 S. Redwood, SLC) on Wednesday, 23rd from 6 - 8PM. A viewing will also be held prior to funeral services at the Murray 29th Ward chapel (6300S. 700 W.) on Thursday, 24th at 10AM. Funeral is at 11:00. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donating to Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake, 669 S. 200 E., Suite 100, SLC 84111.