Ben Synk

Bernard “Ben” J. Synk, 96 of Lincoln, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Surviving are his children Emily Synk (Robert Manning) and Polly Synk (James Curran); grandchildren Liam Curran, Sean Curran, Tara Curran, Alexander Manning, and William Manning; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family, and loving companion Joanne Kennedy. Ben was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Appolonia Synk, his beloved wife of 48 years Margaret (Zajkowski), brothers Frank and Fred, and sisters Marie Hugo and Katherine "Kit" Poggemeyer.

Ben was raised in northwest Ohio, and after graduating high school in Elmore, he joined his two brothers, sister, and brother-in-law at the University of Detroit where he graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Mathematics in 1952 and a Masters degree in 1954. He served in the United States Army, and after his service he began his career at Chrysler Missile Division as a mathematician. His career tracked the evolution of computers, eventually retiring from General Dynamics Land Systems as a computer programmer who designed the software for the M1 Abrams tank simulator.

Ben met Margaret Zajkowski, a secretary at Chrysler, at a Chrysler hiking club outing in the 1960s. Ben and Marge married in 1966 and settled in Southfield. They shared a love of many common hobbies, including travel, bridge, tennis, square dancing, and cross-country skiing. Ben was a dedicated father who built countless snow forts and sandboxes, brought art projects to the next level, and attended every sports event and recital. He was an active member of St. Bede's Parish as a eucharistic minister and member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Men’s Club. He lent his artistry and carpentry skills to the St. Patrick's Day floats, altar banners, and school and local theater productions.

Upon retirement, Ben and Marge retired to Lost Lake Woods Club in Lincoln, MI. Their retirement was filled with golf, bridge, bowling, darts, and travel. They enjoyed the company of friends and the beauty of Lost Lake Woods, and were active members of the Lost Lake community. After Marge passed away in 2015, Ben continued his dedication to service by volunteering at St. Bernard Friendship Room soup kitchen, AARP volunteer tax services, and the Lincoln Senior Center Board. He also was a member of St. Catherine's parish and delivered communion to the sick. Ben was known for his quiet but strong dedication to his family and community, hard work, and the occasional pun. He was a lifelong learner with many hobbies, including painting, playing cards, solving puzzles, listening to classical music, and golfing. His travel adventures spanned the globe and ranged from camping to a tour of the Great Pyramids of Egypt to Elder Hostel trips that included university-level lectures and experiences.

Almost seven years ago, Ben met Joanne Kennedy at a Lost Lake Woods neighborhood gathering, and before long they became constant companions. Joanne and Ben brought light and love to each other’s lives.

A memorial Mass for Ben will be held at St. Catherine's Catholic Church at 2188 W. Nicholson Hill Road in Ossineke at 11:00 AM on Saturday February 7, 2026. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Gillies Funeral Home located at 104 W. Alger Street in Lincoln. Internment will follow later this year at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Bernard Friendship Room, care of All Saints Parish, 817 Sable St, Alpena MI 49707.