Benedict “Ben” Orf

Benedict 'Ben' Orf, formerly of Belleville, IL passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at the age of 91.  Ben was the dear son of the late Aloysius and Angela Orf;  devoted husband of the late Betty Lou Orf (NEE: Dyer);  loving father of Ted (Dianna) Orf, Jeanne (Dale) Hesler, Marianne (Ricky) Hatfield and Jeff (Patricia) Orf; cherished grandfather of Jennifer, Richard (Clare), Rene (Mike), Michelle (Michael), Robert,  Justin (Rowena), Lydia, Rhiannon and Audrey; beloved great-grandfather of Moira, Zachary, Alexandra, Lisa, Amber, Ariel, Michelle, Debra, Zachary and Liam; dear brother of Rose Marie Orf and Bernice Orf.  Ben was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Susan Orf and siblings Dorothy Rubenacker, Margaret Yorg, Irene Smith, Eugene Orf and Arthur 'Art' Orf.


Ben proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a Technical Sergeant in the 852nd Bombardment Squadron and the 491st Bombardment Group in the 8th Army Air Corps.   He served on long range bombing missions through England over Germany.  Ben was awarded the Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.  Ben worked in broadcasting as a Radio Engineer at radio stations WJPF (Herrin, IL), and WDZ (Decatur, IL). He also worked as Radio Engineer and Manager at WMRY (at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL).
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to a church or charity of your choice.