Bernard "Ben" J. Walters

Bernard J Walters (Ben) entered the gates of heaven, joining his beloved wife Daralinea, on January 30, 2025. He was surrounded with love by his family and his dog, lady.

Born October 13, 1936 in Suttons Bay, Michigan, the son of Herman and Barbara (Linguar) Walters. Ben is survived by sister, Leona Kalchick and brother Patrick (Myra) Walters. He is proceeded in passing by brothers Al, Pete,Don, Emil, Phil, Ferman, Art and sister Otelia.

On August 30, 1958 Ben married Daralinea Swainston, who preceded him in death. Together they enjoyed raising their family, farming, gardening, hosting parties, dancing, adventures traveling the US & Canada and wintering in Arizona. 

Faith and family were of the utmost importance to Ben, and he lived his faith every day. He was a religious man who attended mass nearly every day. He was the proud father of Matthew, Bernadett (Gordie) Pons, Herman and Patrick (Holly). He was a loving grandpa to Jennifer Pons, Justin Walters, Julie Horrighs, Tyler (Hillary) Pons, Chelsea (Chris) Larowe, Gabrielle (Zach) Lawrence and Griffin Walters. He also enjoyed 12 great grandchildren; Ethan, Xander, Laila, Blake, Warren, Aubree, Ryan, Madison, Paisley, Colton, Quinn, and baby boy Lawrence on the way.

Ben never found himself at a loss for something to do, as a young man he had many different jobs, learning how to fix or build just about anything. He was a steam fitter by trade and belong to the local 190 out of Ann Arbor for over 50 years. He was a small hobby farmer on the side and loved to get on the tractor and work the land. He raised field crops, vegetables and animals. With his kind and generous spirit, he shared much with his friends, family, and neighbors. He especially enjoyed tending his raspberries and tomatoes.

Through the years Ben had many interests from rock hounding to hunting, he enjoyed playing cards especially euchre & cribbage. Later in life, you could find Ben around town or at the Church. His kind and gentle way touched the hearts of many and his warm and friendly smile allowed him to be a friend to anyone he met. 

Visitation will be Monday, February 3, at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Elk Rapids with a Vigil and Rosary for the Deceased at 7 p.m. Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, with Rev. Christopher Jarvis presiding. Visitation will begin again at 11 a.m. until the time of mass, also at the church.  He will be laid to rest next to his wife in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, in the spring.

Memorials contributions can be given to Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding SE, Ada, MI 49301.  

Arrangements are under the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com