Benjamin Harold Strasser

Benjamin Harold Strasser, 91, of Indianapolis, passed away June 4, 2026. He was born September 18, 1934 in Charlestown, Indiana to the late Benjamin Harrison Strasser and Magdalena Mary Emma Dieckmann Strasser. Benjamin was a graduate of Salem High School, Class of 1952 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in 1966 from Butler University in religious studies and earned his Master of Divinity Degree from Christian Theological Seminary in 1970. Benjamin married his first wife, Jo Ann M. Wendel in 1973 and she preceded him in death on January 26, 2003. He married his second wife, Donna M. Ebling Strasser on September 7, 2003 and she also preceded him in death on July 28, 2019. Benjamin was first and foremost a minister serving in multiple churches throughout his lifetime. He had a love and a knowledge of the Bible and a close walk with his Lord and Saviour. He was a member of Grace Bible Church in Sun City, Arizona and most recently a member of Geist Christian Church in Indianapolis. Benjamin also worked as a manager and counselor for funeral homes and cemeteries in Indiana, Ohio and Arizona. He was a Lion’s Club member and the past District Governor of Indiana; a Masonic Lodge member and 32nd degree Mason; an Elks member and Order of the Eastern Star member. Benjamin was the American Cancer Society Director in the early 1970’s and recently a council member at Westminster Village North. He stayed very busy volunteering and working to give back to his community. In his personal time, Benjamin enjoyed writing poetry, singing and Bible studies. He had a knack for fixing things and loved to tinker with old motorcycles and cars. Benjamin is survived by his daughter, Jennifer JoAnn Strasser Payton (Donald) of Greenfield; sons, Bryan E. Ballman (Teresa) of Waynesville, OH, Douglas W. Ballman (Angelica Ochoa) of Monterey Park, CA and Eric T. Ballman (Fawn) of Japan; grandchildren, Derek W. Huff (Fiancee, Tiffany Spence) of New Palestine, Nathan E. Ballman (Alicia) of Waynesville, OH, Ryan A. Ballman of Germantown, MD, Logan T. Ballman of Indianapolis, Bella Ballman of Japan, Karrina M. Payton (Robert Lopat) of Shelbyville, Tara N. Payton of Winchester, KY; great-grandchildren, Brianna A. Ballman of Waynesville, OH, Vela E. Lopat of Shelbyville, IN, Natasha Marie JoAnn Starrett of Winchester, KY, Xavier Anthony Lopat of Shelbyville, IN and Zacharia J. Payton of Winchester, KY; and his last love, Wilma Jean Hefner. Services will be held at a later date at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 East Washington Street, Indianapolis. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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Benjamin Harold Strasser

September 18, 1934 - June 4, 2026