Benjamin Jay Bednar, 89, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 23, 1928, in Austin, the son of Benjamin and Lottie (Kos) Bednar. Following his 1946 graduation from Austin High School, Ben attended linotype school in Charles City, Iowa. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1952. While in Korea, Ben and Arlene Bosshart began exchanging letters and once Ben was back home, began dating and were married on June 27, 1953, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Ben served as an usher there for many years and was involved in many other church activities. The Bednar family remain faithful members.

He made his living as a printer, working at Service Printing, the Austin Daily Herald and then Austin Printing. After retirement, Ben was a proofreader for Smyth Company in Austin and served as a school crossing guard for 13 years. He loved to golf and was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W. Back in the 1930s and 40s, Ben’s father had an old-time band. Ben began playing the clarinet and saxophone as a young boy and continued his dad’s love of music by playing in more than 20 groups over the years. He was a member of the Austin High School band, and while in the service played with the Eighth Army Band in Korea. Ben started bands of his own, including the Dixielanders, Memories, Strictly Instrumental and Sophisticated Swing. He also played in the Austin Swing Band, Austin Community Band, Austin Jazz Band, Gospel Dixieland band and with the Miss Minnesota pageant orchestra. Ben gave music lessons for 60 years to hundreds of students and was a charter member of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, in which he played for 43 years. He was inducted into the Austin High School Music Hall of Fame in 2009. Ben was a loyal friend and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed traveling and attending the grandchildren’s sports and music events. He will be remembered for his musical talent and love for his family.

Survivors include his wife, Arlene Bednar of Austin; his children, Debra (Dan) Ball, Jon (Julie) Bednar, and Mary (Dwayne) Hagan, all of Austin; grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) Ball of Brainerd, Minnesota, Tony Ball of Mankato, Minnesota, Jennifer (Daryl) Taylor of La Crescent, Minnesota, Kelli (Zach) Herman of Rochester, Minnesota, Jessi Bednar of Austin, William (Katie) Hagan of Sartell, Minnesota, Emily Hagan of Austin, Andrew Hagan of Austin, and Patrick Hagan of Austin; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Lucas, and Rowan Ball and Jackson Hagan; brother, Floyd Bednar of Austin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wayne and Audrey Bosshart of Austin; sister-in-law Patricia Dahl of Wabasha, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. Ben was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald (Betty) Bednar; sisters, Mildred (Robert) Bellrichard and Helen (Andrew) Neus; and brother-in-law Richard Dahl.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Mark Niethammer officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 16, at Worlein Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and V.F.W. Post 1216. Memorials can be directed to St. Olaf Lutheran Church or donor’s choice. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.