Bernard G. West, age 72, longtime resident of Mt. Iron and Virginia, died Saturday, November 21, 2015, at Essentia Health Hospital in Virginia. He was born August 12, 1943, in Virginia, the son of James O. and Swanhild (Wold) West. He graduated from Virginia High School where he was a goaltender for the hockey team. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Ben served during the Vietnam War aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Oriskany. Following his service, Ben attended Mesabi Jr. College. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Seppi on September 27, 1969, in Virginia.
Ben worked in the billing department of the Virginia Public Utilities, retiring in 2001. He worked in his retirement for the Bauman Family Funeral Homes, and served on the board of the Greenwood Cemetery. He was a member of the Crellin-Tini VFW Post # 1113 in Virginia where he served as quartermaster and was a longtime member of the Virginia Servicemen's Honor Guard.
Ben is survived by his wife: Marilyn; three children: Jennifer (Gene) Gilbertson of Mt. Iron, MN, Jeffrey West of Gilbert, MN, and Devin West of Cohasset, MN; a grandson: Dylan; a Sister: Sylvia Gentile of Gilbert, MN; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant sons: John and Jeffrey; and a brother: James. The family would like to thank the Virginia EMS, Essentia Health, Bauman Family Funeral Homes, the Virginia Servicemen's Club, the Virginia Servicemen's Honor Guard, and family and friends for their kindness.
A Private Memorial service was held with inurnment following in the Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia. Bill Bauman was the officiant.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .
Private Family Services will be held
Private Inurnment
Greenwood Cemetery
1126 North 9th Street Virginia, MN 55792