Benjamin Ehrmantraut

Benjamin Ehrmantraut, 88, Bismarck went to heaven to be with his Savior on Saturday, March 2nd with his family by his side. He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandpa and friend.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 8, at New Song Church, 3200 N 11th St, Bismarck. 

A time of sharing will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM, Thursday, March 7, at New Song Church. 

Burial will be held at 2:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. 

Benjamin was born to Anton and Eleanor Ehrmantraut in Glen Ullin, North Dakota on January 5th, 1936. He grew up on the farm until he was nine years old and then moved to Bismarck. He attended St. Mary’s high school and from there went on to serve in the United States Air Force for four years where he served in Anchorage, Alaska and the Pentagon.

He married the lovely Pauline Fode on July 3rd, 1958 and they thrived in their marriage for 65 years. They had a love that was an example to all. They raised seven children: Benjamin (Tabitha), Susan (Kevin), Dave (Valeria), AJ (Kim), Betty (Bryan), Dorinda (Terry) and Rochelle (Mike) who blessed them with grandchildren: Benjamin, Lauren, Blythe, Marcus, Lillymae and Emma, Rachel (Cory), Adrianna (Dylan), Erin (Frank), Josh (Ashley), Chloe, Austin, Zachery, Michael (Indy), Jenna (Lennen), Ashley (Nick), Kayla, Hanna, Isaiah, Kael and six great-grandchildren: Brynlee, Brayden, Sabrina, Leon, Crew and Nash (With two more on the way)!

When he first laid eyes on Pauline, he was captivated. He stole her heart with his relentless pursuits. Benjamin devoted his life to her and they raised a big beautiful family. He supported his family as a shoe and suit salesman and entrepreneur. He managed his successful roofing business with the help of close friends, his children and his wife. 

Pauline and Ben had a flourishing garden that they took pride in. He could be found in the backyard planting, weeding, watering and harvesting. He also loved to fish. He spent time on the river with family, friends and also spent many years going to the lake in Minnesota.

Benjamin pursued a personal relationship with Jesus that overflowed into his life and through his relationships with others. You can very well describe him as “a man after God’s own heart.” He was in tune with the Holy Spirit and offered wisdom, encouragement and love when people around him needed it most. His faith sustained him. He had always joyfully anticipated meeting his Savior, Jesus Christ, face-to-face. So we know that in great joy, last Saturday, he ran into the arms of Jesus. A moment he had been waiting for.

In his last days on earth, he might have been in the nursing home, but he was surrounded with family and had his wife by his side every single day. His kids dedicated their time to help him. Even though he would never say he had a favorite, we all think it was AJ. He smiled the biggest for his great grandbabies. The twins, Crew and Nash visited often. He would smile, sing, and even tried to tie their shoes. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Eleanor Ehrmantraut; his siblings Jacob, Alexander, Margaret, Anthony, John and Edward and his grandchild, Nicholas. 

He is survived by his wife, Pauline, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his siblings: Ellie Powers, Betty Anderson and Lee Calheim.