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Funeral Services for Ben Gilligan age 66 of Anselmo will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo. Inurnment will be in St. Anselm’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorials can be sent to Anselmo Volunteer Fire Department and St. Anselm’s Building Fund. A register book may be signed at Govier Brothers Mortuary on Tuesday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A visitation and time to greet the family will be held on Tuesday evening 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church at Vigil Service will follow at 7:00 PM at the church. Words of encouragement and remembrance can be left at www.govierbrothers.com

Bennett “Ben” Wayne Gilligan age 66 passed away peacefully at his home in Anselmo, NE, on January 23, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. Ben was born in Broken Bow, NE on June 23rd, 1959, to Bernie and Norma (Olson) Gilligan. Ben grew up near Milburn, NE with his sister Cindy Hamilton and graduated from Anselmo-Merna High School in 1978.

Ben married the love of his life, Pamela McCandless, on September 19th, 1980. To this union came six children: Tyler, Tanyor, Tristina, Terisa, Trey, and Troy. Ben worked for a couple of local ranchers for the first few years after graduation. In 1989, Ben and Pam bought their home in Anselmo and moved to town. Ben started working at the local elevator for Keith Kastens. This was later bought by Farmers Co-op where he worked for nearly 20 years. He retired from that and started carrying a local mail route.

Ben was known to hold his family, and friends close to his heart. He would often quote Grandpa Frank Olson - “Mom, look how RICH we are, look at our kids, we have great kids!” Ben bragged that our house was collecting kids and dogs and that was the best collection to have. I know that our kids, the neighbor kids, nieces and nephews heard the famous phrase “SHUT THE DARN DOOR!”, more than once!

Ben had a special love for the outdoors. Whether it was on the back of a horse or out hunting and fishing, that's where he could be found. This passion grew through his children, where they cherished many memories. One of Ben’s favorite hobbies was going out for a drive with his dogs, Bo and Frank. He loved all of his dogs that he had throughout the years, including Jake, Butch, Butch, Butch, Butch, Sadie, Violet, and Ellie… Yes, he loved the name Butch. Another hobby Ben enjoyed was planting and taking care of his garden. Oftentimes during the summer, you would find him out tilling and pulling weeds for his cucumbers and tomatoes. Ben enjoyed his sports growing up: rodeo, football, basketball and track. Ben still holds the record for the 200m dash at Anselmo-Merna. He found much joy in following his kids around and supporting them in their sports activities.

Ben was a stranger to no-one. He was always willing to lend a hand and help whenever or wherever it was needed. Whether that was on the local fire department, where he served for 35+ years, or just lending a helping hand to someone on the side of the road. Ben was always found where the help was needed.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents, Bernie and Norma Gilligan, in-laws, Bill and Isabelle McCandless, his Uncle Tom, granddaughter Leyna Gilligan, his grandparents Nick and Hilda Gilligan, and his grandparents Frank and Mary Olson.

Ben is survived by his wife Pamela Gilligan, sister Cindy (John) Hamilton, son Tyler Gilligan of Gothenburg, son Tanyor Gilligan of Anselmo, daughter Tristina Gilligan (Joe Hickman) of Anselmo, daughter Terisa (Howard) Gaffney of Broken Bow, son Trey Gilligan (Alexis Neely) of Broken Bow, and son Troy (Bailey) Gilligan of Anselmo. Grandkids: Tyler (Jessi), Tracie (Zach), Tiffany, Elsie, Allie, Jaycee (Wyatt), Kaileigh, McKena, Maddox, Spencer, Karson, Zack, Jayden, RyAnn, William, Jacob, and Tatum. Great grandkids: Lennon, Wesley, Waylon, Benaiah, Jethro, aunt and uncles Dee & Dan Cunningham, Wayne & Linda Olson, Perry & Carol Myers, Cap & Donna Olson, Rosie Greer, sisters & brothers-in-law BJ (Rod) Baxter, Louise (Tyke) Arnold, Cindy (Paul) Christen, Julie (Jerry) McCaslin, Peg (Jeff) Steele, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.