Ben continued serving at Ramona and Oldham, as well as at Madison as assistant pastor, until he retired in 1983. He was recognized as Jubilee Clergy in 1994. The Zimmermans traveled extensively to the Holy Land and Greece, and throughout the United States and Canada. Ben was active in many organizations including Kiwanis, Lions Club, Masons, Eastern Star, and El Riad Shrine. He was a Boy Scout leader for 25 years, organized fund drives to build hospitals in Spearfish and Viborg, and was a founder of the Interlakes Community Action Program (ICAP). Ben also was a carpenter, amateur astronomer, health food advocate, and jack-of-all trades. Survivors include one son, Dr. Donald Zimmerman, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and several nieces and nephews. Ben was preceded in death by his wife, Ida, in 2008; his parents; seven brothers; and two sisters.
Rev. Paul Custer 1927-2012
The Rev. Paul Custer, 85, of Lenexa, Kan., died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012. A memorial service was held on Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, at Valley View United Methodist Church in Overland Park, Kan., with the Rev. Dr. Connie Wilson officiating. His remains were cremated. Paul James Custer was born on April 11, 1927, to Earl and Jenny Custer in Everly, Iowa. He grew up in Rowena, S.D., and attended high school at Valley Springs and then Washington High School in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he graduated in 1945. He married Joy Johnson on June 1, 1951. He graduated from Sioux Falls College with a bachelor of arts degree in 1952 and taught school in Rapid City, S.D. Paul attended North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, earning a master’s in religious education in 1962 and a bachelor of divinity degree in 1965. He also took courses in mental health and drug and alcohol abuse. He was admitted on trial in the South Dakota Conference of the Methodist Church and elected deacon in 1963. In 1965 he was admitted into full connection and ordained an elder. Paul served Methodist and United Methodist churches in the South Dakota Conference at Egan-Riverview (1962-1963), Hartford (1963-1968), Parker-Brothersfield (Jan. 15, 1968-1974), Wessington Springs-Lane (1974-1981), Colton-Chester (1981-1987), OnidaAgar (1987-1989), and Wagner-Delmont (1989-1993). He retired in 1993. He was known for his love of music. He had an outstanding voice and sang many solos. Paul is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joy; one daughter, Carol Avery (and husband Tony), of Houston, Texas; two sons: Mark Custer and Bret Custer (and wife Katie), all of Overland Park, Kan.; three grandchildren; and one brother, the Rev. Earle Custer, of Dover, N.H.
Rev. Grant Piehl 1943-2012
The Rev. Grant Piehl, 69, of Casselton, N.D., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at his home. Funeral services were held Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at Casselton United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Casselton Cemetery. Grant John Piehl was born on April 15, 1943, in Gaylord, Minn., to Lester and Olive (West) Piehl. He grew up in the Hector, Minn., area and graduated from Hector High School in 1961. He then attended Vennard College and Spring Arbor College in Spring Arbor, Mich., earning a bachelor of arts degree in 1966. He continued his education at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Ky., graduating with a master of divinity degree in 1969. In 1968 he was elected deacon and admitted on trial to the North Dakota Conference of The United Methodist Church. He was ordained elder and admitted into full connection in the North Dakota Conference in 1970. Grant served United Methodist Churches in North Dakota at Kulm-Jud (1969-1973), Lansford-Donnybrook-Maxbass (1973-1976), Bowbells-Kenmare-Coteau (1976-1982), Langdon-Hannah (1982-1983), Langdon (1983-1992), Streeter-Medina-Tappen (1992-2002), Groton-Conde-Andover (2002-2005), and Napoleon-Lehr (2005-2008). He retired in 2008 after 40 years of service. Grant married the love of his life, Eileen Carol Jonas, on Jan. 29, 1966. They moved to the Jonas family farm near Amenia, N.D., when he retired. He loved playing with his grandchildren, pastoring churches, collecting 1/64 tractors, reading about North Dakota history, and visiting with his children. He is remembered as a gentle giant who was kind, loving and humble. Grant is survived by his wife, Eileen, of Amenia; four children: Latha Pederson (and husband Larry), of St. Michael, Minn., David, of Minneapolis, Joel (and wife Linda), of Jamestown, N.D., and Jeff (and wife Heather), of Clear Lake, Minn.; 9 grandchildren; and two sisters: Carrie Tyner, of Kansas City, Mo., and Nancy Mabuce (and husband Steve), of St. Louis, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lorrie Berntson; and two brothers-in-law: Paul Berntson and Don Tyner.
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