Benjamin "Ben" Kersting

Benjamin “Ben” Kersting, age 83 of Bristol, IN passed away with his wife by his side on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Ben was born on March 26, 1943 to Walter and Trula Kersting in Grand Rapids, MN. Ben married the love of his life Gail Stoll on August 23, 1968 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Elkhart, IN.

Ben is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Gail; their daughters, Kelly (Michael) Boyer of Elkhart, IN and Aimee Fizer of Elkhart, IN; grandchildren Sydney (Seth) Boyer Cripe, Hannah (Josh Bair) Fizer and great-grandson Wesley, as well as his siblings, Margie (Clair) Bartels, Nicholas Kersting, Susan Wellington, James Kersting and Julie Hine. Ben was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Trula Kersting, son Todd M. Kersting, and his siblings Berkley Kersting, Darrell Kersting, Walker Kersting Jr., Faith St. Mane, Nathan Kersting, Stephen Kersting and Doris Anderson.

Ben owned and operated K-Bon Manufacturing where he manufactured truck caps and campers, and Kersting Machine which was a machine shop. He was a very brilliant man and was very resourceful in ways to use alternative energy. He was a self-taught musician, and he enjoyed playing the guitar. He played professionally for the local band, “The Tempests” in the 1960’s, where he recorded several songs and traveled nationally. In the 70’ and 80’s, he played for the country band, “Tobacco Road”. Most of all he loved to spend time with his family, especially his wife and children.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where a memorial service will be held at 6pm. Pastor Ted Stanley will officiate. In memory of Ben memorial donations may be made to Cancer Resources for Elkhart County, PO Box 244, Elkhart, IN 46514-0244 or Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 6520 North Andrews Ave., FT. Lauderdale, FL 33309-0630 www.msfocus.org Online condolences may be made to Ben’s family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com