BENNY J. TROSPER
Benny Jay Trosper “Gator” was born on February 15, 1964, to Mary (Ruppert) and Gary Trosper in Imperial, Nebraska. He was the middle child of three.
Ben grew up in Cambridge where he was very active in a variety of things. He joined Cub Scouts at an early age and continued through Boy Scouts. He played baseball every summer, which helped him keep in shape for football, wrestling and track.
Ben played them all from Junior High to High School. He also played the trumpet in band, acted in the all school play, took Hunters Safety classes, Lifesaving and Basic Life Support classes, was a member of the Cambridge Gun Club and was an active member of the FFA. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1982.
Benny was no stranger to hard work. From a young age he had a strong work ethic instilled in him by both of his parents. He started helping out where he could in their custom harvesting business. He continued to work for them when they opened Metal Craft, Inc. Benny and his brother Greg laid miles and miles of pipe while their little sister drove the pickup and trailer. Benny was capable of doing almost anything whether he was laying 12” underground pipe or using a pitchfork to scoop insulage out of a broken-down dump wagon with his big brother. Dad always said he had the best crew- I am sure it was partially because we were free. When they closed down, Metal Craft, Ben went on to have various other jobs such as working for Budke’s, the CO-OP, and traveling all of the United States painting water towers.
Ben also got the chance to work with his dad one more time in Arizona.
He wasn’t a fan of Arizona and was happy to go back to Nebraska.
In 1985, Benny went to Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, Kansas where he studied electronics. He was able to use the vast array of things he learned from working the many years with his dad in his education. He has since been able to share his knowledge with a slew of kids throughout the years, continuing to pass it down from generation to generation.
In April of 1987, Benny took a job at Dayco in McCook.
He worked graveyards until 2009 when he finally got the chance to move to days. He worked for Parker until December of 2023, putting in around 35 years before they parted ways.
Benny always had a passion for riding motorcycles. He started off riding side by sides with his brother, Greg. He joined the High Plains Drifters in 1987 and they became his 2nd family. He was an active club member until the day he died.
Benny was married twice during his lifetime to Chery Ann Jackson and then to MaryAnn Alegria. Although these marriages ended, they brought him the greatest blessing of his life- his children and grandchildren. Nothing brought him more pride and happiness than watching his family grow. Benny had 3 children; Zach, Amber and Hunter and a bonus son, Andrew.
Benny was a very loyal, hardworking and generous man. He would share anything and everything to help someone out. He was a quick-witted smart ass. His jokes and laughs were ones you would never forget, and you could always recognize that they came from him.
Benny’s most prized title was “Papa.” He always made sure no kid was left out or went without. But you could not forget the Papa tax!
Benny was the happiest surrounded by his family. He loved family meals and always tried to plan them as much as possible. He would always say, “Man, I needed that!” I know he’s looking down with a smile on his face knowing his kids are carrying on the tradition.
The last year of his life was one of the hardest ones he had, but he always pushed through and still tried to see the bright side of things. He had just purchased a new Harley trike and had been out enjoying rides with his family and looking forward to many more.
Benny Trosper was surrounded by his loving family when passed away early Wednesday morning, June 17, 2026, at Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska. He was 62 years of age.
Benny is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Gary Trosper; stepdad, Marlin Zimbelman; sister-inlaw, Heidi Trosper.
He is survived by his children, Zach and Aspen Wagner, Amber and Brandon Trueblood, Hunter Trosper and Andrew and Bailey Aguilar; brother, Greg Trosper; sister, Sharla Trosper; grandkids, Ryder Trueblood, Abel Trosper, Liam Aguilar, Aaliyah Trosper, Bella Aguilar, Cliff Wagner, Walker Trueblood, Willow Wagner, Kayson Wagner; his drifter family and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation was chosen and memorial services were scheduled for 2:30 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Congregational Church in Cambridge, Nebraska. Burial in Fairview Cemetery in Cambridge followed services.
Memorials are suggested to the family of Benny Trosper for later designation. Online condolences may be left at lockenour.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge.
