Benjamin Lyons

Benjamin Gump Lyons

Mankato, MN " Benjamin Andrew Lyons age 77 of Mankato died Monday, January 9, 2006 at Autumn Grace in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato with Rev. Ted Hottinger, S.J. and Rev. Ed Ardolf officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Mankato Mortuary with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society, American Red Cross or to an organization of the donors choice.

Benjamin Andrew Lyons was born March 22, 1928 in Mankato to Benjamin and Hattie (Trimble) Lyons. He attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and entered the US Air Force in 1951. He was honorably discharged in 1953. On November 26, 1956, Ben was united in marriage to Rea Sleeper in Mankato.

Ben owned and operated several bars in the Mankato and surrounding areas, including, Cabin Bar, What You Call It, Haneys and The Stahl House. He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Morson-Ario VFW 9713. He enjoyed gathering with family and friends; hunting and playing pool.

Ben is survived by eight children, Gail Spriggs and special friend, James Carr of St. Peter, Peggy (Denny) Toyryla of Spencer, NY, Tony (Tracy) Lyons of Mankato, Vickie (Peter) Kruize of St. Peter, Colleen (John) Convery of Eagan, Barbara Lyons and special friend, Ken Wels of St. Peter, Brenda (Tom) Tenenbaum of Highlands Ranch, CO, Bridget (Steve) Swanson of Ramona, CA; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandson; brother, Richard Dick (Sheila) Lyons of North Mankato; sister, Dorothy Ostrander of Duluth; many nieces and nephews.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rea in 1991; daughter, June, son-in-law, Peter, and two grandchildren, Royce and Reagan in 1977; ten brothers and sisters.