Ann & Benjamin Hardie

Ann M. (Fons) Hardie, 97, and Benjamin Hardie, 96, of Kronenwetter, died within hours of each other on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 13, and 14, 2021, at Cedar Creek Manor, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Ann was born March 11, 1924, the daughter of the late Frank and Maria (Lepak) Fons, Town of Cassel. Ben was born on October 9, 1925, son of the late Benjamin and Cecilia (Mitchky) Hardie, of Milwaukee, and had just celebrated his 96th birthday at his home. On July 17, 1948, Ann and Ben were married at Sacred Heart Catholic church, Town of Cassel. This July they celebrated 73 years together.

Ann and Ben are survived by daughters Mary Hardie-Roze of Green Bay and Gwen Hardie-Bauer of Madison. Also surviving are grandchildren Joseph Bauer, Philip Bauer, (fiancé Leah) Kevin Hardie, (Lorene), Lara Lockhart, Angela Roze; Great grandsons Benjamin Roze, Aaron Hardie-Roze, William Hardie; nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ann and Ben were part of "the greatest generation", both serving in WWII. Ann was a war worker at AAMCO Metal in Milwaukee. (Where she met her father-in-law) Ben served in the Army in Europe, rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant.

During their marriage Ann worked as a bookkeeper for about 25 years, retiring from Data Film Corporation in 1982. Ben worked as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator, retiring in 1982 after 31 years with the Milwaukee County Park Commission.

In retirement Ann and Ben lived in Mosinee, where they were very active in the community, including St Paul's Catholic Church, St Monica's Circle, ushering, Communion distribution, VFW and Auxiliary (including holding several offices each), and Meals on Wheels. Ann and Ben were avid dancers, dancing every weekend for years, and bowled on a senior league for years. They also enjoyed their pontoon boat and fishing in their backyard. Both enjoyed traveling in their little "RV", and spent the winter months traveling down south.

Since 2015 Ann and Ben lived in an assisted living facility, moving to Cedar Creek Manor in January 2020.

Services will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Donald Meuret will officiate. Burial will be at St. Paul Cemetery, Mosinee. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until time of services at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com