Bernard J. Amberger, age 93 of Morris, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Margaret Mary Health in Batesville, Indiana. Born March 31, 1931, in Connersville, Indiana, he is the son of Jacob and Ida (Nee: Humig) Amberger. Ben married Wanda Schutte on July 29, 1955, at Versailles, Indiana and she preceded him in death on November 6, 2014.
Ben enlisted in the Navy in 1950, serving on seven different vessels. He served near Korea, earning the Armed Services Expeditionary Medal (Korea). He also earned the Vietnam Service Medal with One Silver Star, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was awarded four Navy Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, and the Navy Occupation Service Medal. Ben also participated in observing nuclear weapons testing in the South Pacific while in the Navy. During his last days at Margaret Mary Health, he told the nurses his favorite country he visited while in the Navy was Spain.
After retiring from the Navy in 1970 after almost 20 years of service as a Machinist Mate First Class, he worked a brief stint in Cincinnati. Ben then worked at the Batesville Casket Company for 25 years in maintenance and on the assembly line, retiring in 1996.
Ben was a member of the American Legion, and a member of the Morris Volunteer Fire Department. He always looked forward to the Fire Department’s pancake and sausage breakfast. Ben enjoyed tinkering on just about anything whether it needed it or not, especially after retiring from the Batesville Casket Company. Most people will probably remember him working on something in the garage, or just sitting there watching cars drive past. He always enjoyed his coffee from McDonald’s, or his “cup of mud.” He also enjoyed attending and watching Cincinnati Reds games.
He is survived by his daughters Jane Amberger and Tina Austin, both of Batesville; sons Mike Amberger of Batesville and Jake (Layla) Amberger of West Lafayette, Indiana; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and his wife Wanda, Ben was preceded in death by his brother George Amberger and sisters Rosie Luers, Catherine Wells, and Mary Johnson.
In accordance with Ben’s wishes, cremation was chosen by the family. A Private Service will be held at a later date, with Rev. Jill Kepler Campbell officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and by the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.