KORTSEN, Benjamin Nielsen

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 02/24/2006 Benjamin Nielsen Kortsen, 79, died peacefully, with loving family at his side, Feb. 17, 2006 at Navapache Regional Medical Center in Show Low. Ben, the fifth of sixth children, was born Jan. 19, 1927 in Tempe to James and Anna Christine Nielsen Kortsen, Sr., who came to the United States from Denmark, arriving at Ellis Island in 1911. In 1944, he married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Stansberry. He served in the U.S. Infantry until 1946. He spent most of his G.I. days in Japan. Following his discharge from the Army, Ben and JoAnn moved to Stanfield where he farmed with his father and brother Jack. The parents of Ron, Marsha, and Kort, Ben and JoAnn were always active participants in their children's lives, involving themselves in 4H and Future Farmers of America. Ben was instrumental in organizing Little League in Stanfield, where he served as Little League President. He promoted and participated in the Annual Barbecue, which raised funds for Little League. Ben demonstrated his love for the community by promoting and participating in fundraising barbecues for the Hoemako Hospital Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign War; and served on the Casa Grande Union High School Board, also serving as School Board President. Ben was a charter member of the Casa Grande Elk's Lodge, where he served in all chairs, including Exalted Ruler. He strongly promoted the interests of farming in Arizona, and held many positions in the farming industry, including Arizona Cotton Growers Association, Board Member of Electrical District 3, Board Member of Maricopa-Stanfield Irrigation District and Arizona Flying Farmers. In 1989 Ben left the farming life, when he and JoAnn moved to Show Low. There, he enjoyed working at the Napa store, fishing, long rides in the mountains, and taco Wednesday with JoAnn. Ben and JoAnn would have celebrated 62 years of married life March 18. Ben is survived by his wife, JoAnn (Stansberry); son, Ronald Bennie (Victoria) of Casa Grande; daughter, Marsha Polete (Bill) of Litchfield Park; and son, Kort (Stephanie) of Show Low; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 25, 2006 at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ, with viewing and visitation at 10 a.m. followed by service at noon. Internment to follow at the Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 710 2nd Ave, Suite 900 Seattle, WA 98104.