Benjamin "Ben" Hale

January 7, 1936 - January 5, 2022

Benjamin was born in Kankakee County, grew up in Aroma Park, and was the second born son to Joseph “JC.” and Chole (Elsey) Hale. He married Eva Ehrman on January 26, 1957. Ben was a loving and devoted husband and father to his wife, Eva and their six children who survive, two daughters and sons-in-law, Paula and Lawrence Gilbert, Jennifer and Bob McBride; two sons, Fred and Roy Hale; 13 grandchildren, Randy (Meghan) Gilbert, Lori (Derek) Line, Michael and David Hale, Josh (Eva) Belisle, Jeremey, Justin, Katie and Kim Belisle, Alyssa Hale, Robert, Amanda, and Elizabeth McBride; 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter. Ben married his second wife Betty in 1996 at the United Methodist Church of Aroma Park. Ben’s extended family are Marcia Clark, Gregory (Laurie) Luhman, Cindy (Ben) Memenga, 5 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He believed in community spirit and was “Honored for Service” from the Aroma Park Little League team, where he coached his team, “The Little Butcher” for 15 years. He also helped establish the league and worked with the grounds, helping to build the dug outs, field, and concession stand. If there was the yell of umpire to “play ball” and the crack of the bat, chances are Ben was there. Ben was an avid fisherman, taking every moment possible to be on the water for the next bite with Tiger, his four-legged companion. Benjamin passed peacefully at Riverside Medical Center surrounded by his children. Preceding him in death are his wife, Eva; two sons, Benjamin, an infant son and Ben Warren; brother, Tom “Tommy” Hale, grandson, Michael William Hale, and infant grandson, Michael Hale. A grave sight service will be in the future. Jensen Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.