Blaine Amann

Blaine "Ben" William Amann of Rochester, was called home to heaven on October 2, 2024 at Seasons Hospice House surrounded by family.

Ben was born September 30, 1932 to Elmer and Della (Bluske) Amann in La Crosse, WI. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended La Crosse schools and graduated from La Crosse Central High in 1950. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 during the Korean War and served 4 years in the Air Weather Service with duty at weather stations in North Africa, Italy and Texas. After his honorable discharge in 1956, he joined the U.S. Weather Bureau in Rochester, MN at old Lobb Field. In the last 20 years of his career, he served as the Official in Charge for the National Weather Service Office in Rochester, MN. His children would always proudly introduce their dad as, "The Weatherman". He retired in 1994 after 42 years of government service.

Ben met the love of his life, Emma Hildebrandt, through a blind date, and 8 months later on September 29, 1957, he and Emma were married in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. For the next 67 years, they made their home in Rochester, residing in the same "little red house" for 63 years. They were blessed with three children-Mike, Bill and Kristi.

As a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church Rochester, Ben's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He served as a Trinity trustee and usher for many years. Ben enjoyed golfing, polka music, fishing with his grandchildren and friends, and his annual duck hunting trip to Canada. He loved woodworking, spending many hours restoring and refinishing antique furniture, building items for (and with) his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and undertaking numerous home remodeling projects. He always had a plentiful stash of candy in the garage and basement to satisfy his sweet tooth. Ben enjoyed time spent with his family, especially the yearly two-week family boating vacation to Lake Carlos in Alexandria, MN, creating generations of beautiful memories. Over the years, and dear to Ben's heart, was the canine companionship of a number of family dachshunds, which presently includes their beloved, Gracie. Ben will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his strong faith and his dedication to family and friends.

Ben is survived by his wife, Emma, children; Michael Amann of Rochester, MN, William (Mary) Amann of Kimball, MN and Kristine (William) Lindquist of Rochester, MN; four grandchildren: Katy (Bob) O'Fallon of Richmond, MN, Charlie Amann of St. Paul, MN, Tim Lindquist of Rochester, MN, and Emily Lindquist of Rochester, MN; four great grandchildren: Mae, Edward, William and Bobby O'Fallon; brother: Thomas (Marcia) Amann of La Crosse, WI; siblings-in-law: Margareta (Walter) Oeltjenbruns of Mountain Lake, MN, Kathleen Svalland of Butterfield, MN, Carolyn Chester of Windom, MN, Yvonne Hildebrandt of Mountain Lake, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Blaine was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Della Amann; siblings & their spouses Marge (Harold) Dixon, Wayne (Linda) Amann; niece Beth Sibilrud, siblings-in-law: Dorathea & Duane Olson, Leroy Hildebrandt, Jean & Wayne Hermanson, Duane Hildebrandt, Elwood Svalland, Robert Chester, and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 7, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church (222 6th Ave. SW, Rochester, Minnesota). A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. An inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at

www.trinitylutheranchurch.org.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or Seasons Hospice House.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Amann family.