Final Salute

Benjamin H. “Ben” Holman, Jr, age 86 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Accolade Healthcare of Pontiac with his loving family by his side.

Ben was born on September 28, 1940 and raised in Wilmington, graduating from Wilmington High School, Class of 1958. After his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, becoming a Seabee specializing in the Construction Battalion stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. When he returned home, he continued his passion for creativity and building when he joined the Will County Carpenter’s Union Local 174, where he was affectionately known as Booger. He worked nearly 40 years of service in the union before his retirement in 2000. After retirement, he enjoyed many vacations with his wife, never meeting a stranger wherever they traveled.

Throughout his life, he kept busy with cheering the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bears, and most importantly, the grandkids in their sporting events from grade school all the way through college, but always remained a faithful Wilmington Wildcat! Ben was dedicated to the Wilmington Baseball Association. He spent over 20 years evolving the program from serving in various positions all the way through as President, but his proudest position was coaching all those teams during his time there. Ben did not hesitate to get a chance to share his love and appreciation for his children and grandchildren and to express how proud he was of each and every one of them. Family was everything to him.

On November 29, 1998, he married his loving wife, Rinnea Pemble in Hawaii. She survives in Diamond; other survivors include his three sons, Benjamin C. (Tristin) Holman of Lebanon, TN, Gordon (Kim) Holman of Wilmington and Van (Ali) Holman of Wilmington; six grandchildren, Trevor, Madilyn (fiancé Matt), Zoie, Cameron, Delaney and Cooper; sister, Sandra Bennett of Douglas, WY; sisters-in-law, Margaret Holman of New York and Kathleen Pemble of Wisconsin; Goddaughter, Brandi Intravaia; Godson, Bruce Van Duyne; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; many friends along the way including his lifelong friends Al and Ed; and his dear four-legged friends, Stormy and B.B.

Ben is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ginter; one brother, William Holman and one step-brother, Richard Holman.

Visitation will be held beginning at 3pm on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, Braidwood, until the time of the funeral service at 7pm. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. A private family inurnment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, with military rites to take place.

Memorials may be directed in Ben’s name to the Wilmington Baseball and Softball Association or Just Animals Shelter of Mazon.