Benjamin S. Wittenberger

April 12, 1967 - May 20, 2010

HASTINGS, Nebraska -- Ben Wittenberger, age 43, of Hastings, formerly of Cozad, passed away May 30, 2010, at his home in Hastings.

Ben was born April 12, 1967, at Omaha, the son of Jerry and Leola (Arnold) Wittenberger. Ben graduated from Lincoln Northeast in 1985. He entered the U.S. Army in 1987 and faithfully served his country during the Gulf War.

Following his discharge in 1991, Ben moved back to Cozad where he worked at South Central Developmental Services. Following his time in Cozad, Ben made his home in numerous places including Robesonia, Pennsylvania, Cleveland, Ohio, Grand Island, Nebraska and Houston, Texas, all while taking various college courses in both history and archeology. In most recent years, Ben had made his home in Hastings.

Ben was a lifelong learner. He enjoyed antiques and refinishing furniture. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards and dominos, as well as following sports, his favorite being baseball.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Wittenberger in 2008; his grandparents; four aunts; and four uncles.

He is survived by his mother, Leola Wittenberger of Cozad; sister, Kim (Randy) Korgan of McCook; and their children, Austin (Kelsey) Korgan and Whitney Korgan; three uncles; one aunt; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at 12 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Cozad with Pastor Lyle Schoen officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.