Danville, Illinois - Danville, Illinois - Benedict "Ben" S. Baszis, 96, of Danville, Illinois passed away at 3:25 am on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Accolade in Danville, Illinois.

Ben was born December 31, 1929, in Danville, Illinois to Theodore and Lucy Gastent Baszis. He married Phyllis Zielinski. From that union came three children, Benedict Lee Baszis of Arizona, Anthony David (Jody) Baszis of Danville, Illinois, and Rita (Jerry) Lomax of Cayuga, Indiana. He met Pauline Harvey at the grocery store and they were married on April 21, 1998. He then gained stepchildren Frank (Raeann) Harvey, Matt (Tish) Harvey, Jean (Ron) Sroufek, Toni (Jeff) Skinner, and Lisa (Jim) Jones; one stepdaughter in law: Stephanie Harvey. Pauline preceded him in death on March 12, 2022; other survivors include; seventeen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother: Ted Baszis; one sister: Lena Bednar; and one stepson: George Harvey.

Ben served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS New Jersey. He worked for the railroad for 34 years. Ben was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westville, Illinois and the American Legion. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He loved gardening and was a green thumb when it came to growing orchids. In Indiana he was a member of the Blue Bird Society where he made bird houses. He was a creative person who crafted willow chairs and baskets and was extremely generous with charities.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Tuesday March 31, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westville, Illinois with Father Timothy Sauppé officiating. Burial will follow in Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Westville, Illinois with military honors accorded. Visitation is from 11am to 12 Noon Tuesday prior to the service at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westville, Illinois. The family would like to thank Accolade Nursing Staff for their wonderful care. Memorials to St. Mary's Catholic Church or to the organization of the donor's choice. Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.