Benjamin “Ben” Lutgen, age 96, of Eden Prairie, longtime resident of Kimball, died Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
A committal service will be held at St. Anne Catholic Cemetery in Kimball at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with a Celebration of Life from 1-4 p.m. at the American Legion Club 261 in Kimball.
Benjamin Theodore Lutgen was born on October 7, 1929, in Kimball, Minn., to Joseph and Florence (Cossairt) Lutgen. A graduate of Kimball High School, class of 1947, Ben honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany, where he was a driver for a commanding officer. He drove semi and dedicated over 30 years as the office manager at Gannon Elevator, contributing to the agricultural industry that shaped his hometown. On April 10, 1977, he married Adelyn C. (Causin) Dalton. They made their home in Kimball, along with her children, who he loved as his own.
Ben was a man of many passions and commitments. He was a member of the Kimball American Legion Post #261, where he served as a Post Commander, as well as a 28-year volunteer with the Kimball Fire Department. Additionally, he was a charter member and past President of the Kimball Lions Club for over 40 years, reflecting his dedication to community service and connection.
In recent years, Ben moved to Eden Prairie to be closer to family, but his heart always remained in Kimball. Ben enjoyed traveling and was an avid bowler. He took great joy in family gatherings, relishing in time spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his stepson, Larry (Isabel) Dalton of Eden Prairie; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Florence; wife, Adelyn; sisters, Alice Peterson and Ethel Hiller; stepchildren, Pat, Bruce, Mike, Danny, and Kelly Dalton; and stepgrandson, Adam Dalton.