Ben Boppeler, 57 years old, passed away peacefully Friday, May 22 surrounded by family. Formerly of Xenia, OH, Ben met his wife, Anita (Wesseler) of 33 years, in Cincinnati after being introduced by his sister. They enjoyed life and meeting new people in several different states including Florida, Ohio and Indiana and most recently moved from their home of 14 years in New Paris, OH to St. Peters, IN. Ben spent much of his life as a tree climber and truck driver. Given his tree climbing occupation, Ben was drawn to collecting Stihl chainsaws. Anita enjoyed travelling with Ben in his truck and their son, Steven, also remembers loving those days. Ben had a kind heart and loved animals, especially dogs. He was lovingly coined the failed foster dad because he couldn’t let the dogs go and at one time was the foster dad of 10 dogs. He was an avid couponer and loved to share his savings with his daughter, Tasha. Not many know of his dream to one day climb aboard the Star Trek Enterprise. Ben & Anita’s bed was located directly under a skylight and looking at the night sky through this window fostered his enthusiasm for outer space.
Ben will be greatly missed by his wife Anita and children April (Jay Hayslip) Morris of Xenia, OH, Tasha (Glen Sr.) Sailor of Midway, AR, and Steven (Brittany Shadday) Boppeler of Oldenburg, IN; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings Joe Stern, Tim Stern, Tammy Edgerton, Bridget Stern, and Pam Stern. Ben is preceded in death by his parents Marie Chenoweth & Charlie Boppeler and sister Laurie Bell.
A private celebration of life will be held in Ben’s honor. Memorials can be made to Preble County Humane Society at 951 S. Barron St. Eaton, OH 45320 or the American Cancer Society at PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK. To offer condolences online, please visit www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.