Benjamin Joseph Haener, 45, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at his home in Boise surrounded by his family.
Benjamin was born Nov. 15, 1978, in Lewiston to Dick and Diane Haener.
Benjamin lived each and every day to its fullest. He touched many people during his life and had many friends that were near and dear to his heart.
Benjamin lived in the Boise area most of his life. In his younger years, he spent time at the Idaho State School and with the Cragun family. In 1988, Benjamin moved to Idaho Falls Group Home — here he attended Skyline High School and graduated in May 1998. Ben moved to Boise Group Home in 1999 where he resided until his death. While at Boise Group Homes, Benjamin joined their workshop program where he worked with many wonderful people. Benjamin lived for his role as supervisor both at workshop and the Group Home — he always had to be in the middle of what was going on and know what was going on.
Benjamin established many lifelong friendships with many wonderful staff members at the Group Home — especially Kelly. One thing Benjamin was super proud of was taking a rabbit to the local fair with Kelly and winning red ribbons. Benjamin loved time with his family. He loved listening to what was going on in their lives — especially his nephews and all their sporting events. He loved Aunt Norma’s visits and listening to the books she read to him. Benjamin’s family was everything to him and he always had a smile for them.
Benjamin is survived by his parents, Dick and Diane Haener, of Grangeville; his sister, Amanda Crosby and husband Chad and nephews Kaden, Luke and Garrett, all of Lewiston; his grandmother, Aggie Haener, of Grangeville; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by all his wonderful caretakers/staff at Boise Group Homes.
Benjamin is preceded in death by his brother, Tony Haener; aunt, Alane Robie; grandfathers Earl Haener and Bill Litchfield; and grandmother Lois Litchfield.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 625 Lake St., Grangeville. Burial will follow at Prairie View Cemetery, Grangeville. Blackmer Funeral Home of Grangeville is in charge of arrangements. Send condolences to the family at blackmerfuneralhome.com.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Boise Group Homes, in care of Blackmer Funeral Home, 305 N. Mill St., Grangeville ID 83530.
