In loving memory of

BENNY LEE ULSHAFER
June 25, 1942 - July 4, 2009

Benny Lee Ulshafer, age 67, passed away at 12:25 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Fort Wayne. Born June 25, 1942 in South Whitley, IN he was the son of Edward W. Sr. and Julia Eloise (Sweeney) Ulshafer.He graduated from South Whitley High School with the Class of 1960. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the United States Army. On October 31, 1964 he married Cindy J. Reid in Columbia City. For 7 years, he worked as a mechanic for Jerry Watson Ford, Fort Wayne, IN, for 7 years he was a parts manager for Brookside Lincoln Mercury, Fort Wayne, IN, for 14 years he was past owner of Ummel Trailer Sales, Columbia City, and for 14 years he was a regional sales manager for Newmar Corporation, Nappanee, retiring in 2001. A resident of Whitley County the majority of his lifetime, he moved to Tippecanoe Lake, Kosciusko County, in 1990. Mr. Ulshafer was a past member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Columbia City, North Webster Church of God, Hoosier Hot Rods and a past member of the American Legion Post #777, Indianapolis, and North Webster American Legion.Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Cindy J. Ulshafer of Leesburg, IN; daughters, Candy C. (Gregory) Otter of Bloomington, IN, Carrie C. (Jeff) Lemon of Larwill and Carmen L. (Todd) Coyle of Columbia City, IN; son, Steven L. Ulshafer of Milwaukee, WI; brothers, Edward W. Jr. (Marilyn) Ulshafer of Fort Wayne, Jack D. Ulshafer of South Whitley, Terry N. Ulshafer of South Whitley, Tom H. Ulshafer of Columbia City; a sister, Loretta J. (Ted) Easterday of South Whitley; 8 grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James E. Ulshafer and one sister-in-law, Kathy Ulshafer.Visitation is Tuesday, July 7, 2009 from 1-9:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Larry Schmoekel of Collins United Methodist Church officiating with Pastor Dennis Judy of North Webster Church of God assisting. Graveside military honors will be conducted by the United States Army with burial to follow at Mock Cemetery, North Webster, IN. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Ulshafer to the NASCAR Foundation with envelopes available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register.Click here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load.

Tributes

Carmen Coyle wrote on Aug 4, 2009:

"I am overwhelmed by the outpouring love and support we have received from friends and family. Dad was the example that we are all supposed to live by- live, laugh, love. Be an example for those around you. Live like you were dying, laugh like it's the funniest thing you have ever heard, and love like there's no tomorrow.God Bless"

Lori Hart wrote on Jul 10, 2009:

"Steve,I am so very sorry for your loss, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. I just heard about your dad last night, and was so saddened by the news, my heart aches for all of you. Please know had I known about it sooner, I would have came to the funeral home to give my condolences. The memories I have of your family are from many years ago, during our grade school years, and they are some of the fondest ones I have. I know you're living out of state now, but if you would like to talk, or need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call/contact me, ok? Love and God Bless,Lori "

Jack and Jeannine Beebe wrote on Jul 9, 2009:

"Cindy and family, we were saddened to hear of the passing of Ben, and although we hadn't seen either Ben or Cindy for many years, we had frequent updates from my sister, Lynne. I knew you, Cindy, since we were both kids and Jeannine went to school with Ben. You have our heartfelt condolences. It's a comfort to know that Ben is with the Lord now."

Melissa (Miller) Ash wrote on Jul 8, 2009:

"To my long lost family:So sad to hear the news. Time sure goes by quickly. I have many fond memories and will be thinking and praying for you all. I know he will be missed. Hold on to the many fond memories.God Bless you! Melissa, Joe, Amanda, Tiffani & Staci (Mollman)"

Jerry & Marcia Bernaert wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"Cindy and Family,We were saddened to hear today of Ben's passing but want you to know that he touched many lives. I (Marcia) first met your family when you purchased Ummel Trailer Sales and came to Newmar. Your whole family was great to work with. You all took turns coming to pick up units or parts and I watched your kids grow up. Ben always did anything he could to take care of a customer and the values he stood for rubbed off on those around him. Jerry is in Purchasing at Newmar and worked with Ben when he was in Sales. He was always one of his favorites to work with.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.Jerry and Marcia"

Leroy & Vivian Betts wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"To the Ulshafer familyWe express our deepest sympathy to you. May God Bless and Comfort you during this sad time.Leroy & Vivian Betts"

Brad & Marsha Cleveland & Family wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"To Cindy & Family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this sad time, Any thing we can do please let us know. Brad & Marsha Cleveland, Bob Cleveland Jack & Toni Koser & faily"

David Cowen wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"To all the family members.Back when Ben started to work for Newmar we at Arlington RV became a dealer for them with his help. I tell you this because I have been in the RV trade for over twenty years now and I must say I have never had such a pleasure of working with such a knowable person such as him in my life. He was always there for us no matter if it was day or night. If we needed him to talk to a customer about a prart, he would get down on the floor and crawl under a unit (with his braces on) and show the customer first hand to answer there question. Sorry there is not that much room to keep talking about Ben, but I can tell you for shure he will never be forgotten, EVER!. Till we meet again at the Race Track in the sky " God Bless You Mr. Ben Ulshafer " we will always remembered him here with us at Arlington RV Supercenter in Rhode Island."

John & Sharon Green wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"Ben was our sales rep for many years, and he became a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. He was a great guy and we will miss him. "

Cleveland Families wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"We are sorry for your loss and we are thinking of you. "

Dave & Melanie Cuthbert wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"Cindy & Family,Our thoughts & prayers are with you. We were so sorry to hear about Ben.Remember the good times...."

Dave & Pam Simso wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"Ben was more than a rep. He was a true Friend. He will be sadly missed. Dave's RV Center , Danbury, CT 06810 "

Mike & Sandy Harrell wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"Cindy, We were so sad to read about Ben in the newspaper. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.Mike and Sandy"

Julie Copeland & familiy wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"Carrie & Jeff, Chantel & Ross, Tyler and the entire Ulshafer clan,I'm truly sorry for your loss and can't begin to feel your pain. Ben was bigger than life and will be missed by all those he touched. Ben was part of our Extended Family as we've known him now for 25+ years and he'll be missed by all of us as well. Cherish your Memories and remember all the fun times together to help you through this difficult time.If I can help I'm only a call away... Love you allJulie Copeland (Lemon) & Family"

Valerie Byer Mills Rouch wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"Dear Entire Ulshafer Family~I read the notice of Ben's passing and had to send you note. I have fond memories of your entire family joining the First Presbyterian Church when your children were young and so full of life. Cindy, you being Jarod's Sunday School Teacher and how fun you made it for him as well as all the other 5 year olds. Your family has grown into their own and blessed you with wonderful grandchildren as well. May all the wonderful memories be yours forever...for Our Blessed Lord gives memories as a gift. May his strength be with each of you in the moments, days, weeks and months ahead. Your life journey has been made more complete by having a loving husband and father.God Bless Each and Everyone of You!Valerie Byer Mills Rouch"

Ann (Fifer) Hall wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"To the entire Ulshafer Family,I am truly saddened by your loss. Ben was such a nice man. Your entire family truly knows the meaning of "having fun". Cherish those memories. His smile will always be with you. In loving thoughts and prayers, Ann (Candy's friend)"

KENT THOMAS wrote on Jul 7, 2009:

"WHAT A GREAT PICTURE TO REMEMBER BEN BY. SMILING.....PROBABLY FROM A FOND MEMORY OF HIS FAMILY WHOM HE LOVED DEARLY. HE FOUGHT AND HUNG ON TO LIFE WITH A PASSION, NOT FOR FEAR OF WHERE HE WAS GOING, BUT BECAUSE HE ENJOYED HIS FAMILY SO MUCH AND WANTED TO SPEND MORE PRECIOUS MOMENTS WITH ALL OF YOU. NOW BEN IS FREE FROM THE PHYSICAL PAIN THAT HE ENDURED FOR SO MANY YEARS AND I KNOW THAT HE IS WATCHING OVER ALL OF YOU FROM ABOVE, WITH THAT WONDERFUL SMILE OF HIS AND THAT TWINKLE IN HIS EYES. REMEMBER ALL THE FUN TIMES AND HAPPY MEMORIES OF BEN TO HELP EASE THE PAIN OF HIS LOSS. WHEN YOU HEAR A LOUD RUMBLE FROM ABOVE OR THE WIND BLOWS THROUGH YOUR HAIR, SMILE, IT IS JUST BEN RACING AROUND HEAVEN IN HIS STOCK CAR ....OR MAYBE HIS MOTORHOME.WE'LL MISS YA' BEN ,KENT & DEB "

Kim Willson wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"Carmen, Todd, Karlyn and Hunter, I am truly sorry to hear about your dad/grandfather. I will continue to keep the entire family in my prayers. I pray that God lays his healing hand on your family. -Kim, Greg, Noah and Mason Willson"

dennis king wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"sorry for your loss, I haven't seen Ben for many years, I graduated in 1959, from South Whitley.also. Knew the family pretty well. Loretta was a neighbor of my mom and dad there on Wayne St. Again sorry for your loss.Dennis King "

Deb Riley wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"Ben touched a lot of people's lives in an encouraging way. He had a great sense of humor and in spite of all his health problems he taught us courage and is continuing to do so. My condolences to the family and if there is anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask."

JEFF & JUDY THOMAS wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"Cindy & family,WOW!! We want to send our deepest sorry for your loss. While at Newmar he would always help me in anyway he could. He will be greatly be missed.God Bless,Jeff & Judy Thomas "

Frank Brenda Stefan wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"Cindi & Family,Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Ben. He was a wonderful co-worker and more importantly a wonderful person."

Scott & Denyse Walker wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"Cindy & FamilyAre street got just a little lonelier at La Ha. Ben will be truly missed. Thinking of you this week.Love fromScott & Denyse"

WAYNE AND SUE JOHNSON wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"Cindy and Family With our deepest sympathy for your loss of Ben. We have always enjoyed our conversations even though most were talking across the channel. Ben was certainly a "neat" guy to talk to. May Ben be at peace forever. Wayne and Sue Johnson"

John & Tina Lemon wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"Jeff, Carrie, Tyler, Chantel & Ross,Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May you find comfort in knowing that he is at peace now. Carrie,If you need anything or would just like to talk or a shoulder to cry on, I am always there ( I might cry with you but that's all part of the grieving process).We love you all"

Amy (Radke) Hoffmeier wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"Candy, Carrie and family: So very sorry to hear about your Dad passing. May you draw strength from happy memories and your faith. "

Kathy Kiester wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"Carmen, Todd, & family, So sorry about your dad. My deepest sympathy..."

Carol & Tom Nelson wrote on Jul 6, 2009:

"Dear Cindy & Family,We send you our deepest sympathy!! Ben was a really cool guy!! You are in our thoughts!! We send you bunches of hugs!!!Love,Carol & Tom"

Chad and Dede Jones wrote on Jul 5, 2009:

"Todd, Carmen, Karlyn, and Hunter,We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in your lives. Love and care for one another as God cares for each of you. If we can do anything, we are only a phone call away.Chad & DedeTristan and Chais"

Dave and Sue Karpinske wrote on Jul 5, 2009:

"Cindy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ben was a great man and will be missed by all of us at LaHacienda.Dave and Sue Karpinske"

Tom Bowers wrote on Jul 5, 2009:

"I was Ben's classmate in the SWHS class of 1960. We are planning a reunion for August 1, and I had hoped to see Ben there. I did not see him after we graduated, but I will always remember him as a happy-go-lucky guy. I wish I could have talked to him again. My condolences to his brother Terry and the rest of the family."

Anne & Ken Sweeney wrote on Jul 5, 2009:

"Cindy and FamilyWe share in your sorrow with the loss of Ben. We only knew him in passing during your travels to Spinnaker Bay but considered him a friend. We had much in common.May he rest in peace.Ken"

Randy Grimes wrote on Jul 5, 2009:

"To the Entire Ulshafer Family;May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "