Benjamin R. "Ben" Denke, 81, of Rapid City, died Sunday, July 17, 2016 at a local nursing home.

He was born in Quinn, SD to Jacob and Emma (Eisenbraun) Denke. Ben was raised in Quinn, graduating from high school there in 1953.

Ben enlisted in the Unites States Army in 1957, serving in France until 1959 when he was honorably discharged.

He returned to wall in 1959 and moved to Rapid City that same year, where he held various jobs.

In May of 1962, Ben was employed by the SD Department of Transportation and retired in July of 1993 as a materials technician in the lab.

Ben married Bertha Harlin in Corpus Christi, Texas on August 14, 1975 at Trinity Lutheran Church and have lived in Rapid City ever since.

Ben is survived by his wife, Bertha, Rapid City, a brother, Edwin (Amy) Denke, Grants Pass, Oregon, many nieces and nephews, highway department coworkers and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and a sister.

A visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, July 21 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Pastor David Schwan officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery.