Benjamin Thomas Dresbach, 91, of Peru passed away peacefully on February 19 at LaSalle County Nursing Home in Ottawa. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, February 25 at St. Patrick Church in LaSalle at 11. The Very Reverend Thomas Otto, Pastor of St. John Baptist de Lasalle Parish will officiate. He will be laid to rest at St. Hyacinth Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church on Wednesday from 9 to 11.
He was born on December 28, 1934 to Frank and Mary (Wokna) Dresbach at Peoples Hospital in Peru.
The love of his life and his best friend, Georgia A. Hammerich were married on July 16, 1960 at St. Hyacinth Church in LaSalle. For the next sixty-five years they enjoyed each day together in whatever the day brought them. Their greatest joy was raising their four children, and supporting them in whatever they were involved. After the children were grown, they turned their attention into supporting their grandchildren in their endeavors. They felt blessed with their three great grandchildren.
Benjamin was employed by Maze Nails in Peru for over twenty years as a machine operator. For fifthteen years he was a driver for Dresbach Distributors in Peru. During his so-called free time in the summer, he umpired Peru Boy’s Baseball for over twenty years. In the spring for many years, he was a registered ISHA Boy’s Baseball Umpire for several High Schools in the Illinois Valley. He participated in boys little league baseball in Peru as a coach. For over ten years he found time in the fall to coach the Peru Youth Football Team. He was awarded being one of the original Super Fan for L-P High School. He was an avid fan following the Sports Program of L-P for several years. Throughout his entire life he was just not an average fan, he was a true blue, cubbies blue loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs. He was a past member of St. Mary’s Church in Peru until their closing, and a member of the St. Stephen’s Society.
He is survived by;
Three sons; James (Kim) Dresbach of Germantown, MD., David (Sandy) Dresbach of LaSalle, and Scott (Gina) Dresbach of Streator. One daughter; Debra Dresbach of Peru.
Six grandchildren; Matthew (Sarah), Luke (Jena), Ryne, Brett, Benjamin, and Nicholas Dresbach.
Three great-grandchildren; Walker, Grady, and Wesley.
He is preceded in death by; his parents, two brothers; William “Whitey”, and Donald “Buck” Dresbach. Two sisters; Betty Fitton, and Patty Cogdal.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family for his favorite charities.
On line condolences may be expressed at www.burgessfh.com
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