Benedict Nicholas Moes

Benedict Nicholas Moes, a kind, gentle and steadfast man, passed peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by family, tranquility, and love. He was 91 years old.

Ben was brought into this life on Wednesday, March 21, 1934, as the youngest member of a humble farm family. His parents, John D. Moes and Catherine Moes (née Pasch) taught him the lessons of hard work and devotion to family early in life. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School (affectionately known to him as New Trier High) in New Trier, Minnesota. After graduating 8th grade, Ben started his adult life working on the family farm and helping neighboring farmers whenever needed. His family's homestead was located just east of New Trier, MN about one mile. His sense of commitment and service was then extended to serving his country as a tank driver in the Army 4th Armored Division from 1955 to 1963. He was stationed in Nuremberg guarding the border between East and West Germany during the buildup of the Cold War.

Upon his return to the U.S., Ben began his career trimming hams at Armour & Company’s meat packing facility in South St. Paul. It was during this time he made the fateful decision to go on a blind date. That was when he met the love of his life, Sharon Quant. Their attraction and affection for each other grew quickly. They were married on August 4, 1962. (This was, coincidentally, the date of Marilyn Monroe’s passing — one of Ben’s favorite lines was “She must have heard that I got married and couldn’t take it any longer.”)

The happy couple made the community of Hastings their home. Children soon followed: John, Jackie, Jerold, and Bill were all welcomed into the growing family. When Armours closed in 1979, Ben and Sharon decided to stay in Hastings instead of uprooting the family and moving with the company out of state. It was tough going for a while. Ben worked a few different jobs to support his family before he was hired by the Hastings School District as a custodian — a job he loved. As the lead custodian at Tilden Elementary School, he was so proud of his moniker “Mr. Ben.” True to his sense of dedication, he treated the staff and students like family and the school building as his home.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Sharon Louise Moes (née Quant); children John Moes, Jaqueline (Jackie) Moes, William (Bill) Moes; grandchildren Jessica Moes (Sean Carroll), Juliann Buchsbaum (Josh Buchsbaum), Johnathan Moes, Cassidy Moes (Wyatt Armstrong); great grandson Bennett Buchsbaum (his namesake); brother- and sister-in-law, Glen and Sally Quant; Steve Weber, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and devoted friends.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; son Jerold in a tragic drowning accident in 1969; brother Raymond Moes (Regina); sister Florence Nogel (Elias); brother Clarence Moes (Madeline); sister Matilda Glasby (Vernon), 3-year-old brother Gilbert Moes in an accident on the family farm in 1935; his in-laws Edmund and Viola Quant; brother-in-law Earl Quant; and his card-playing, travel and dinner companion best friends of over 50 years, John and Marlys Bauer.

Ben was devoted to his family and friends. He loved spending time at his and Sharon’s cabin in St. Croix Falls, and spent many hours on the boat teaching his children and grandchildren to fish. He looked forward to the big Labor Day Weekends with extended family and friends. He took up a small business doing custom picture framing, and he took great pride in his yard. Ben loved playing cards, traveling, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and many dear friends.

True to his upbringing, Ben was always someone you could depend on. As a loving husband, he lovingly cared for Sharon without complaint. He was never judgmental towards family or friends, was quick to smile at everyone he met, and willing to help when and wherever needed — always going the extra mile. Ben was a true blessing and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him. This world, our country, the community of Hastings and his beloved family are much better off due to his devotion, commitment, and unceasing love. Ben’s life is a true and fine example of a life well-lived, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th Street West, Hastings, Minnesota, with visitation beginning one hour prior to Mass. Military honors will follow the service, with a reception to be held immediately afterward.

Ben will be cremated, and a private internment will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Cemetery in Hastings, Minnesota at a later date.

Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is handling the arrangements.