Ben Losinski

Benedict Anthony Losinski was a bright, industrious, fun-loving man. He had a keen business mind, a skill for gardening, and an abundance of love and consideration for his family.

Benedict, better known as Ben, was born in a decade of change in America , from assembly line manufacturing to women's suffrage, faster Model Ts to ragtime bands, silent motion pictures to shorter hemlines. America was just emerging from the First World War and beginning to enjoy some industrial prosperity. A nation and its people were hopeful. Such was the case for Anthony and Agnes (Maslon) Losinski who had both experienced the loss of spouses and were each rearing three children on their own. Their marriage brought together two lives and two families, and together they welcomed four more children into their hearts and home-Valerie, Sophia, Ben, and Floin.

Benedict Anthony was born July 12, 1919 on a farm in Bronson, Michigan . Growing up in a rural community afforded Ben many experiences that made for great stories. His family remembers him telling about how he and some of his buddies would sneak down to the furnace room at school to smoke. However, their "sneaking" must not have been so secretive after a time, because they were caught and that was the end of that.

At age 22, Ben joined the military along with many young men who heeded the nation's call to serve during World War II. Ben entered the Army Air Corp and achieved the rank of sergeant. Ben was deployed to Africa, Italy, and England as a member of the 17th Bomber Squadron. Such experiences bond soldiers long after active duty. This was true for Ben who was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion. His service will long be remembered by a grateful nation.

When Ben was discharged on Oct 25, 1945, he returned to Kalamazoo where he soon met a special woman by the name of Rose Kruszka. It wasn't their first meeting by any means; they actually knew each other growing up in Bronson. But family and circumstances brought them together in ways that allowed them to better know each other. Ben's sister Sophia was married to Rose's Uncle Doc (Bernard Wotta). Doc and Sophia had a cottage at Long Lake . One Sunday afternoon, Ben was at the cottage when William and Josephine Wotta brought Rose to the cottage. Rose and Ben were introduced, went on a boat ride, and the rest is history. They started dating and were married a year and a half later on October 16, 1948. The service was performed by Fr. Andy Wotta, Rose's uncle, at St. Mary's of Assumption Catholic Church in Bronson. A marriage blessed by God, the church, and family...all in one. Ben remained a faithful Catholic throughout his life as a member of St. Augustine Cathedral.

Throughout his working career, Ben was employed by the James River/Sutherland Paper Company in Parchment, Michigan . He retired from there as controller of supplies in 1983. But Ben's financial prowess went well beyond his employment. It was well known among his peers and family that Ben was very knowledgeable in financial matters. His nieces describe their Uncle Ben as a distinguished-looking, astute business man who read the Wall Street Journal and Consumers Report religiously. Financial news and advice on television were among his favorite programs. If the TV was on, odds were that it was a financial show...or football. Ben was a well-rounded individual whose interests included bird watching, card playing, and gardening. Actually, gardening was an avocation for Ben-it's what he did with as much passion and excellence as his job. Ben was an award winning gardener, tending over 100 roses around his home. How fitting for a man whose lovely wife Rose filled his life and home with beauty.

Ben took great pride in making his home welcoming. When he and Rose moved to their home on Canterbury in the mid 1960s, it was the farthest development west in Kalamazoo . Soon it looked as settled as older homes when Ben cultivated gardens and lawn. He managed the landscape with just about every piece of lawn equipment known to man. And inside the home, plants flourished with Ben's attention. Home was an inviting place for family and friends, yet Ben and Rose enjoyed eating out. It was a time to relax and let others do the work.

Ben was also fun-loving, having a quick wit and gifted with a keen sense of humor. Combine these qualities with Ben's delight in children and you get a great story. Ben would tell about the neighbor boy, Ross, who was sent to his room...but not for long. Finding a welcome at the Losinski's, Ross would climb out his bedroom window, make his way over to Ben and Rose, and eat their Skittles. Also, to this day, family laugh over an incident that is ordinarily a very serious matter. It was in May of 1980 that a tornado hit the house. Ben was frying bacon as his niece ran through the house yelling for him to go to the basement. The tornado was coming across the field straight toward the house. His niece made it to the basement, but Ben didn't want to leave the bacon! Perhaps it was the sound of roaring winds that overpowered the smell of bacon and convinced Ben to head for the basement. He made it down just as the tornado was taking off part of the roof and totaling the brick garage. Thankfully, Ben would enjoy many more years of health and laughter with his family.

Ben Losinski was a great joy to his family. They forever hold him close to their hearts as they miss him dearly.

LOSINSKI, Benedict "Ben" A. of Kalamazoo . Ben Losinski, age 86, died September 25, 2005 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sophia Wotta, his brother, Floin Losinski, and several half brothers and sisters. Surviving are his dear wife Rose, sister Valerie Swartout of Battle Creek , 7 nieces and nephews, and 9 great-nieces and great-nephews. Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home where the Rosary will be recited that evening at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 10:30 AM at St. Augustine Cathedral with Fr. Alan Jorgensen, Celebrant. Food and fellowship will follow in the Cathedral Center . Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bronson. Please visit Ben's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to St. Augustine Cathedral.