Benjamin Henry Lightfoot, Jr.

Benjamin Henry Lightfoot, Jr. (Ben) age 87 of Burnsville, MN passed away on April 7, 2021. Ben was born in Luverne, Alabama, the son of attorney Benjamin Henry Lightfoot, Sr. and Hermione Warren Lightfoot. Growing up in the small farming county of Crenshaw, Alabama, Ben was an "A" student and football player. After playing football for Auburn University and studying mechanical engineering, he transferred to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he attained a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Ben was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. During the cold war, Ben served in the US Air Force as a lieutenant and OIC Field Maintenance Squadron for the 42nd Bomb Wing of the 8th Air Force. After his tour of service, Ben continued his career first as an aircraft design engineer for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, later as a technical expert for Delta Air Lines, then as a member of the Apollo engineering team that put men on the moon. He later returned to the airline industry, first as Vice President of Engineering for Continental Airlines and later as Vice President Maintenance and Engineering for Northwest Airlines. While Ben was Vice President of Engineering for Continental Airlines, he attended Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, CA at night school and obtained his MBA. In addition to his career in aerospace engineering and operations, Ben was an artist with unbelievable creative skills. He held multiple patents, authored two sci-fi novels, ReGenesis - An Alternative Future and Scions - Aliens from Earth. Ben designed a fun golf board game called Gopher Greens and published a series of 36 humorous golf illustrations called, The Banana Bunch. Ben had three wonderful children, Leslie, Stephen and Lisa from his first marriage to Elaine Kettles and two awesome grandchildren - Christopher (Chris) and Katherine (Katie). He loved his family and often mentioned that watching his children grow up were some of the best times of his life. Ben looked forward to getting together with his family in Florida when he and Linda escaped the cold Minnesota winters. In 1985, Ben married Linda Soderberg. Ben's 36 years with Linda, the love of his life, and their miniature schnauzers filled his world with great joy and memories. They enjoyed being together while traveling and playing golf. Ben loved everything about golf - playing gave him much joy ......... and frustration. Ben enjoyed watching the pros play, teaching and sharing the game of golf with others and he even caddied for Linda during tournaments. Ben also enjoyed playing tennis, piano, cards, board games and watching movies. Uncle Ben, as he was known to Linda's siblings and family was warmly loved and cherished. Ben was a man of faith and a member of the River Hills United Methodist Church. He was truthful and fair. Ben was a man of action. If you wanted something done right, give it to Ben to handle. Ben was very competitive in everything - golf, tennis, pool, ping pong, dominoes and even croquet. Over the years Ben's medical journey had been filled with many struggles. Linda was his sole caregiver and lovingly assisted him with all aspects of his life. Rest in peace, Dear Ben/Dad/Grandpa/Uncle Ben - 'til we meet again. Ben will be dearly missed by his wife Linda; son Stephen Lightfoot and wife Dr. Lisa Judge and his grandson, Christopher (Chris) Lightfoot and granddaughter Katherine (Katie) Lightfoot of Niceville Florida; daughter Lisa Lightfoot and husband Mike Levy of Hawkinsville Georgia; brother Warren and wife Robbie Lightfoot of Birmingham, Alabama; nephew Warren Lightfoot, Jr. and wife Valerie from Birmingham, Alabama; niece Ashley Evans and husband Keith of Richmond, Virginia and nearly 40 sisters & brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Colorado. Ben was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin Sr. and Hermione Lightfoot of Luverne, Alabama, his first wife Elaine Kettles Lightfoot of Niceville, Florida and daughter Leslie Lightfoot of Smyrna Georgia. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the American Cancer Society. A virtual Celebration of Life will be held on May 15th at 11:00a. The service will be live streamed, please join the service by going to www.riverhillsumc.org.

Tributes

Benjamin Henry Lightfoot, Jr.

January 29, 1934 - April 7, 2021

Tributes

Benjamin Henry Lightfoot, Jr.

January 29, 1934 - April 7, 2021

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