Obituaries

Benjamin Wilbert Moran was born in Petoskey, Michigan, to Kelly (France) Moran and Daniel Moran on March 11, 1990, and left this world “on his own terms” Monday, February 13, 2023.

Ben was a 2008 graduate of LaSalle and, just as both his grandfathers, chose to join the United States Marines. He served at Camp Pendleton, California, and Camp LeJeune, North Carolina.

Ben was generous and thoughtful. He had a beautiful, kind heart. He faithfully walked his dog BamBam twice every day. Ben liked playing video games and looked forward to game nights with Chris, Nik, and Heather. He enjoyed working with his friends at the Cedar Hill Lodge and keeping in touch with those he most loved, especially Kristina’s family members. Losing Kristina was devastating to Ben. And losing Ben is devastating to us who loved him.

Besides his parents, Ben is survived by two amazing brothers: Chris and Nik (Heather), of St. Ignace; his grandmothers, Susan France, of Cheboygan and Ara Jean Leveille of St. Ignace; his Aunt Jeannie France of Fort Myers, Florida; his Uncle Ron France of St. Ignace; his Aunt Sharleen (Jeff) Johnson of Wake Forest, North Carolina; his Aunt Aimee Sorensen of Detroit, Michigan; his Uncle Jacob (Leslie) Tebo of Zephyrhills, Florida; Cousins: Kristina (Justin) Belmont, Ronnie (Trista) France, and Alex France; Donna (Mike) Fletcher and Vanessa (Tim) Gertsch; Braelyn, Liam, and Jacob Johnson; Megan and Meredith Sorensen; Madeline and Oliva Tebo; his future stepmother, Tiffanee Rucci, and her children, Taryn, Anthony, and Tyler Rucci, of Ohio, and many family members and dear friends.

Preceding him in death was his loving wife, Kristina Cherette and their baby, Rex Leo Moran; his beloved grandfathers, Leonard France and Patrick Moran; his Aunt Shelly Harnden, and many relatives who have touched his life.

The family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all of you who communicated with Ben and offered him support and encouragement over the years.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Ben’s life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 12:00 at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in St. Ignace. Immediately following, we will be gathering in the Parish Hall downstairs to share a meal, share stories, and share our love of Ben.