Benjamin B. Wernz

Benjamin B. Wernz, 93, of Terre Haute, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at The Villas of Hollybrook in Brazil on Monday, March 3, 2025. He was born on June 6, 1931, in Sullivan, to Rudolph Golden Wernz and Jeanette Billman Wernz.

Ben is survived by his sons: Terry Wernz of Terre Haute, David Wernz (Liz) of Indianapolis, and Greg Wernz of Terre Haute; daughters, Beth Wernz of Linton, and Karla Smith (Kevin) of Terre Haute; grandchildren, Benjamin L. Wernz of Indianapolis and Alexa Zimmermann Grav (Marcus) of Terre Haute; and a great-grandchild, Ivar Zimmermann Grav.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna Hartman Wernz; and a brother, Thomas Wernz.

Ben earned his bachelor’s degree at Hanover College where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. He achieved his master’s degree from Indiana State University. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War era. Ben taught science and biology at Woodrow Wilson Middle School for over 35 years and continued to coach girls’ basketball for many more years. He attended Unity Presbyterian Church for many years. Ben was a member of the Kiwanis Club, H.A.S.T.I, N.E.A, and the I.S.T.A. Ben enjoyed the outdoors whether he was golfing, hunting, or fishing. He liked woodworking, bowling, and travelling. Ben was an avid ISU Basketball fan. He also enjoyed the Community Theatre of Terre Haute.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at the Sycamore Club, 200 Heritage Dr., Terre Haute, IN 47803. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vigo County Education Foundation at https://www.vigocountyeducationfoundation.org/giving.html