Benjamin Calmenson

Benjamin B. Calmenson, age 90, of St. Paul & Naples, FL, passed away on Monday, April13, 2009, in Naples. Beloved husband to his adoring wife of 61 years, Vivian; children, Robert (Lauri), Janet (Steve) Lesgold, and Marjory (Buddy) Howell; grandchildren, Michael, Kevin, Harry, Sarah, David, Alex, Jaclyn, and Natalie; siblings, Marvin (Teddy), Cal (Beverly), and Muriel (Irv) Klitsner; and many loving nieces & nephews. Ben was born on May 25, 1918, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Sam and Rose Calmenson. He started Tractor Implement Supply Co. in 1937 selling parts to agricultural implement dealers and repair shops out of the trunk of his car. In the late 40’s his brother Cal joined the company and together with tenacity, perseverance and commitment they grew the company into the nation’s largest independent supplier of agricultural parts. Ben was extremely generous and made significant philanthropic contributions to the Jewish community and medical research at the University of Minnesota. He loved his Jewish heritage, sports of all kinds, fishing and a game of poker or bridge with friends. Ben touched hearts everywhere with his deep and unselfish concern for others. We will miss him dearly. Funeral service SUNDAY 1 PM, TEMPLE OF AARON SYNAGOGUE, 616 S. Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts in Ben’s honor may be made to the Robert L. Calmenson Pediatric Cardiology Research Fund. Please direct donations to: Minnesota Medical Foundation, McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, 200 Oak St. S. E. Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55455-2030. SHIVA at Temple of Aaron Synagogue, Sunday & Monday evening at 7 PM.