Ishpeming - Benedict "Ben" F. Bray, Sr., age 82, of 2108 Jackson Ave., Ishpeming passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at UP Health System Bell. Ben had been in declining health for the past five years.

Ben was born January 23, 1934 in Vulcan, MI the son of the late Jacob and Anna (Gnody) Bray. He moved to the Holy Name Orphanage in Marquette at age 5 with his brothers when his parents passed away. He was fostered by Fred Sr. and Romilda Benzie at age 16. Ben was a graduate of the St. Paul's High School in Negaunee, Class of 1953. On October 9th 1954 he married Bonita Bonetti. Ben was employed by the H.W. Gossard Co. from 1953 to 1965 as a mechanic and later as a manager. He then went to work for CCI at the "Mather B" Mine until his retirement. Ben was also a member of the Michigan National Guard for a period of 12 years.

Ben was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He truly enjoyed his hunting camp, traveling with his 5th wheel, but mostly he cherished his time spent with his family. Ben was always tinkering with some project either in his garage or at his camp.

Survivors include his wife Bonnie Bray of Ishpeming, 3 children – Louie (Diana) Bray of St. Albins, WV, Kathie (Terry) LaMere of Ishpeming, and Chris Carriere of Champion, grandchildren – Josh (Amber) & Justin (Amy) LaMere, Jason Kendall, Becky and Amanda (Tony Tilot) Bray & Hank and Angela Meadows, great grandchildren – Kaylen and Livi LaMere, Matthew Garver, Maxwell Moss, Trenton Kendall, Benn, Rihanna and Marshall Tilot, Taylor, Zack, Lauren & Asher Carlson, Talia and Destiny Meadows and baby boy LaMere expected in August, brothers – Jake (Pat) Bray of Marquette and Joey Bray of Zephyrhills, FL, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son Ben Bray, Jr., granddaughter Jessica Kendall, son-in-law Don Carriere, brothers – Eja, Johnny, Andy, Frank and George Bray.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Dan Moll to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the church hall.

Pallbearers will be Jake Bray, Terry, Josh and Justin LaMere, Jason Kendall and Gordy Conradson.

Ben's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .