Ben I. Small
May 17, 2013
Ben Small, age 94, of Urbandale died May 16, 2013, at the Iowa Jewish Life Center.
Memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., Monday, May 20, 2013, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines.
Private burial services will be held at the Jewish Section of Woodland Cemetery.
Mr. Small was born in April 5, 1919, in Des Moines, to Harry and Lena (Muscovitch) Small. He resided there the greater portion of his life, with the exception of some time in Kansas City, MO, Berlin, Germany, and Los Angeles, CA. He loved adventure and traveled extensively over his lifetime. Mr. Small engaged in various businesses for many years, most recently Ben Small’s Warehouse Sales, retiring in 1986. He served in the Merchant Marines and the U.S. Marine Corps, leading up to and during WWII, and was honorably discharged with the rank of 1st Sergeant. He was a member of Temple B’Nai Jeshurun, Des Moines.
Surviving are a son, Daniel (Connie) Small; daughters, Susan (Gary) Woods and Marlis (Wesley) Struebing; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty Rosenberg.
Mr. Small was preceded in death by his wife, Herta A. (Borschowsky) Small.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the religious institution of the donor’s choice in memory of Mr. Small.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Mary Smart
07/24/2013
Goodbye Ben.
I'll never forget the day you, Gordon and I (and your bottle of Scotch) were out house-boating that windy day at Saylorville.
Rick Hickman
05/24/2013
Unfortunately I was in route to Des Moines when Ben's funeral was held having been in Wyoming.
I worked for Ben at Bargain City in 1968-1969 and had known Ben since I was very small his being friends with my Father John. Daniel I met you when I worked at Central National Bank.
Ben was a good friend and my daughter Andrea mowed his lawn for several years while in High School and College.
I saw him last and had a nice visit at Wolfe Eye Clinic last year.
Gary & Cora Grannan
05/23/2013
Our condolences to you and your family during this time of loss. Ben was a great guy. The last time I saw him at Mercy Hospital we had a wonderful conversation and visit. He looked good. He told me he had lived a full life. I believe that to be true. He had a great spirit about him. Prayers are being spoken for you all during this time of loss.
Jerry & Mary Pierson
05/20/2013
My condolences to the family.
Ben was the BEST, boss that I have ever had. It was a joy going to work for Ben, he was an inspiration to me and will be missed very much.
Jerry
David Celsy
05/20/2013
I am sorry for your loss!!
I got to have lunch with Ben last year, I went to see him 8 months ago
He was like my second dad I loved him so much.
Dan and Susan if there is anything I can do for you please let me know
Dave Celsy cell no. 515 473 1802
Call me I would love to see you both!!
Julie Lane
05/20/2013
My condolences Dan to you and your sisters. I remember your dad from when we were little kids and you lived up on 68th. May your father Rest In Peace. Sorry I missed the service today.
Dennis and Jean Duncan
05/20/2013
Our Condolences to you. Ben was a great guys and we will miss his great smile!!
Rick Grant
05/20/2013
I used to sit in the sauna at 7 Flags fitness center with Ben . I always looked forward to visiting with him. I admired him very much. Please accept my condolences.
Peter Maley
05/19/2013
My condolences to Ben's family and friends. I always felt my life was better for having known Ben.
Jim Boyt
05/19/2013
Ben was my neighbor and my friend
in Downtown East Des Moines.
He was a pioneer in the birth of
the EAST VILLAGE.
I am contributing a hundred dollars
to the Des Moines Area Religious
Council in Ben's name.
Tim Gray
05/19/2013
My condolences to the family. Ben was an inspiration to me and will be missed.
Dr. John Tapp
05/18/2013
I considered Ben a good friend. I am sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
Rick & Kalina Maxwell
05/18/2013
Dan,
Sad to read of your dad's recent passing. Its been years since we have been in contact with you, Dan, but hope you are doing well.
maxwell403@live.com
JIm and Charlotte Noble
05/18/2013
We send our sympathy to all of Ben's family. Ben was a dear friend. We loved him and his "wit". All of our family enjoyed Ben. We will miss him.
Craig Dorman
05/18/2013
We have all lost a good friend. I know been is happy and on a big adventure. I am sorry for your loss.