Benjamin J. Spanihel, 78, of Hallettsville, passed away Nov. 3, 2009. He was born on Dec. 10, 1930 to Charles A. & Albina Gerlich Spanihel in Hallettsville. He married Sue Mulkey on Oct. 10, 1954 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Enid, OK. He received an Honorary Discharge from the US Air Force on Feb. 13, 1955. He was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, KJT, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

Benjamin is survived by: 3 daughters, Dena Strauss of Katy, Donna Shimek & husband Patrick, and Marna Klimitchek & husband Jamie of Hallettsville; 5 grandchildren, Brandon Shimek, Matthew Shimek, Noah Strauss, Cole Klimitchek, and Coy Klimitchek; and 4 great grandchildren, Mason, Ella, Miley, and Tanner Shimek.

Benjamin was preceded in death by: his wife Sue; son Benjamin Spanihel Jr., parents; brother Hubert O. Spanihel; and sister Evelyn Deatherage.

Funeral Mass: 2 pm, Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation: 2 pm, Thursday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 6:30 pm, Thursday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Pat Shimek, Jamie Klimitchek, Brandon Shimek, Matthew Shimek, Neil Sullivan, and David Smolik. Memorials (in lieu of flowers): Sue Spanihel Memorial Scholarship Fund at Sacred Heart Catholic School, or Donor's Choice Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.