Benjamin Wade Bishop, 87 of Blooming Prairie, died at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009.

He was born May 15, 1922 to David and Nora (Logsdon) Bishop in rural Woodburn, Iowa where he grew up and attended school. As a young man, he found employment on a farm near Blooming Prairie. He was drafted into the Army in 1944 and served two years in World War II. He married Virginia P. Hunter on April 6, 1946 in Milo, Iowa. Returning to the Blooming Prairie area in 1948, Bennie farmed until his death.

A member and former trustee of First Baptist Church, Bennie served on the Westfield Township Board for more than 30 years and on the Prairie Manor Board of Directors for many years. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, pitching horseshoes and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Bishop; sons, Wayde (Judy) Bishop, Craig (Janie) Bishop, all of Blooming Prairie; six grandchildren, Amy (Matthew) Potter of Waseca, Eric (Becky) Bishop of Shakopee, Minn., Benji (Nicki) Bishop of Blooming Prairie, Andrea (Bret) Nielsen of Minneapolis, Ellie (Jason) Fate of Blooming Prairie, Adam (Kristin) Bishop of Blooming Prairie; eight great-grandchildren, Hannah, Isaac and Sophia Potter, Hunter, Lucas and Teagan Bishop, Riauna and Carter Bishop; brothers, Howard Bishop of Chariton, Iowa, Ronald Bishop of Ottumwa, Iowa; sisters, Shirley Kent and Jean Chipp of Lucas, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Donna Gayle Stouffer and Wilda Clark; and brothers, Harrell, Fred, Robert, William and Bernardo “Jim” Bishop.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Matthew Fennell officiating. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is in Blooming Prairie Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 52. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.