Benjamin F. Near, 94, of Sterling, Illinois, died Friday May 10, 2024, at Avonlea Cottages in Sterling. Benjamin was born April 1, 1930, in Shelby, Michigan, the son of Benjamin and Jessie (Kreider) Near.  He married Margaret Roth on November 8, 1953, in Stratford, Ontario.

Benjamin was a fruit farmer for many years in Shelby MI.

Survivors include: his wife Margaret Near; two sons, John (Carol) Near of New Era, and Mark (Beth) Near of Shelby; two daughters, Jessie (Harvey) Beam of Stevensville Ontario and Joyce (Chris) Sedig of Dixon, IL; one daughter-in-law, Phoebe Ann Near of Shelby; twenty three grandchildren and forty five great-grandchildren.

Benjamin was preceded in death by: one son, Sam Near; one infant grandson; two brothers, Jacob Near and Charles Near; and one sister, Mary Ellen Norris.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Monday May 13, 2024, at the Reformed Mennonite Church in Sterling, Illinois.

Local Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30AM Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Reformed Mennonite Church, 2038 South 96th Avenue, Shelby, Michigan, 49455. Visitation will be held from 6PM-8PM Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N Michigan Ave, Shelby, Michigan. Interment will take place in the Reformed Mennonite Cemetery, 2052 South 96th Avenue, Shelby, Michigan, 49455.

Please omit flowers.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com