July 26, 2025 – Town of Polk, WI – Prior to the start of the 55th annual Meat Animal auction on Thursday, members of the Meat Animal Sale committee recognized the Mahsem family, following the untimely death of Ben Mahsem who was a strong supporter of the sale for over 25 years.
Announcer Shelly Oelhafen said, “The Washington County Meat Animal Sale has lost a longtime supporter of this meat animal auction, Ben Mahsem of Thunder Pallet. Therefore, the Ben Mahsem family has donated a bench in his honor to be kept in the livestock area. His family is here tonight to continue his passion in supporting the livestock exhibitors of Washington County. Please join me in showing Ben’s family our support, our appreciation, and our kindness.”
Benedict “Ben” E. Mahsem, 70, of Germantown, Wisconsin passed away at his home unexpectedly on Saturday May 31, 2025.
Ben was born on September 23, 1954, in Milwaukee, WI to Benedict W. and LaVerne M. (Schorrak) Mahsem.
Ben started working at Thunder Corporation in Menomonee Falls, in December 1973. He eventually became a primary owner and president of Thunder Pallet, which moved to Theresa in 1997. Ben was a huge supporter of the 4H Washington County Fair meat animal sale for over 25 years.
Ben was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend. On May 17, 1980, Ben married the love of his life Lisa (Ziegelbauer) at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Hartford and recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Together they were the proud parents of Amber (Sam) Willard of Slinger, Nicole (Derrick Pierog) Mahsem of Adell, and Benedict J. Mahsem of Saukville.
Ben was also a proud grandfather to his granddaughters, Cora (Ryan Holmes) Schalow of San Diego, Emma and Madelyn Willard of Slinger, and Olivia Morrow of Theresa. He loved those granddaughters to no end and would do anything for them. He taught them skills such as fishing and driving a lawnmower.
Ben taught the older granddaughters how to drive their classic cars and how to maintain them. He was handy with tools, capable of fixing the smallest thing to large nailing machines and other factory equipment.
Ben enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bowling. He was an avid card player. Ben would go out of his way to help many people. Ben was a classic car collector. In retirement he enjoyed attending car shows and swap meets with Lisa. He also drove semi-trucks in his retirement to fund many classic car projects.
He is further survived by his sister Sue Bowe of West Bend and brother Ernst (Joann Theusch) Mahsem of St. Lawrence. He is also survived by nephews, nieces, cousins, other loved relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Benedict W. and LaVerne M. Mahsem and parents-in-law, Eugene and Margaret Ziegelbauer.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Donations in Ben’s name can be made out to Boy’s Town or a charity of choice and are greatly appreciated.
Funeral Services for Ben were held Friday June 6, 2025, at Shimon Funeral Home (824 Union St., Hartford, WI 53027). Family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00 p.m. until the start of service at 6 p.m.
Classic car owners are encouraged to bring their vehicles in memory of Ben.
