Ben Carrigan

Allen Benjamin Carrigan better known as ?Ben?, was born on April 29, 1920 in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, the son of John & Mabel Carrigan. He attended school in Boone Lake Township. As a young man he worked on the family farm and enjoyed his years as catcher on the Buffalo Lake baseball team. His love of baseball continued throughout his life as he became an avid Twins fan. Ben was united in marriage to Norma Madsen of Hector, Minnesota on October 29, 1946. During the early years of their marriage, Ben farmed near Buffalo Lake, MN, where all three of their children were born. The family then moved to St. Cloud, MN, to Hutchinson, MN where Ben worked as a school custodian and was also employed at the Hutchinson Light Plant. In 1961, the Carrigan family moved to Wheaton, Minnesota where they owned and operated Skogmos Department Store for approximately ten years. While still living in Wheaton Ben began employment at 3M in Alexandria. He commuted until the couple sold Skogmos Department Store in Wheaton and moved permanently to Alexandria in 1971. Ben enjoyed life on their acreage by Lake Mary, gardening, fishing, fixing old cars that he loved, and spending hours on his tractor. Family and friends will remember Ben?s smile, his winks, and fun-loving ways. He quickly assumed the role as ?The Friendly Greeter? at Bethany Home, since he always had a cheery ?Hello? for everyone. He might even ask you ?What kind of car do you drive?? Above all, his love and devotion to his wife, Norma, as well as his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was obvious. His family was the center of his life and he shared his pride with everyone. Ben died on Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at the Bethany Home in Alexandria. He is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Norma; son, Allen (Julie) Carrigan of Ham Lake, MN; daughters: Connie (Larry) Manderscheid of Sioux Falls, SD, Kathleen (Mahmood) Shaikh of Racine, WI; seven grandchildren: Robin Jacobson, Kelly Eiden, Adam Carrigan, Erin Esser, Eric Atkins, Armaan Shaikh, Suraya Shaikh; nine great grandchildren; brother, Bernard (Mary Ann) Carrigan; sister, Margaret Richards. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Harold, Clifford & Myron Carrigan; three sisters: Ruth Triplett, Sarah Irvine, Agnes Yerks. Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 9, 2010, 11:00 A.M. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Mark Astrup officiating. Pallbearers were his grandchildren: Robin Jacobson, Kelly Eiden, Adam Carrigan, Erin Esser, Eric Atkins, Armaan Shaikh, Suraya Shaikh. Honorary Pallbearers were 3M employees and retirees.