Benjamin Robert Paul Gretencord

Benjamin Robert Paul Gretencord, 44, of Lafayette passed away March 22nd, 2026 due to health complications. He was born December 9, 1981 to Harold and Marcia (Datzman) Gretencord of West Lafayette (formerly of Earl Park). Ben was a 2000 graduate of Benton Central High School and had attended IUPUI in Indianapolis.

Ben was a faithful and loyal employee of St. Boniface Church and School for 20 years. He had a servant's heart in how he gave his time and attention to others. Ben was much loved for his generosity and cheerful disposition. He was a devoted son, brother, and uncle. Ben had a devout spirit and would spend many hours in Eucharistic Adoration, praying for his loved ones. He loved to draw, especially cartoon characters, and made his siblings laugh with the funny drawings he would include in his letters.

Surviving along with his mother Marcia Gretencord: Adam Gretencord (wife Sharon) of Austin, TX, Marcus Gretencord (wife Misty) of Lafayette, Sr. Maria Kolbe Gretencord, OP of Ann Arbor, MI, and Mary Villegas (husband Maurice) of Round Rock, TX. Ben also has 14 nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Harold E. Gretencord and his grandparents, Paul & Lucille Gretencord, and Robert & Mary Datzman.

A funeral Mass will be offered for him on Wednesday, April 1st at 10:00 am with a viewing beforehand starting at 8:00am at St. Boniface Church in Lafayette. A Rosary service will take place during the visitation at 9:30 am. Burial will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery. Friends and family are invited back to the Saint Michael's Center at 11:45 for a luncheon in memory of Benjamin. Contributions in his memory may be made to the following:

Dominican Sisters of Mary, 4597 Warren Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 or Sisters of St. Francis Of Perpetual Adoration, 1515 W Dragoon Trail, Mishawaka, IN 46544.