Bently (Ben) H. Kriewald, age 52, passed away unexpectedly on August 30, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, and a zest for life. While preceded in death by his first wife, Barb L. Kriewald, Bently’s memory is cherished by his wife, Catie Kriewald, and his three sons, Nick A. Kriewald, Nathan R. Kriewald, and Bently T. Kriewald. He is also survived by his loving parents, Anne and Gerald James Kriewald, his siblings, Danny Kriewald, Bonnie Kriewald, and Jerry Kriewald, along with numerous relatives and friends who were profoundly touched by his presence.
Words seem inadequate to fully capture the essence of Bently’s life and the profound impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him. True to his spirit, Bently himself would have preferred a gathering of loved ones over a formal obituary. Imagine walking into his home, where you would immediately be offered a fine glass of wine or a cold beer. The aroma of an elaborate meal being prepared would fill the air, alongside a tempting array of appetizers, artfully arranged for guests to enjoy. As he cooked, Bently’s gaze would sweep across his assembled family and friends, his smile radiating love, pride, and the simple joy of being surrounded by those he held dear.
Dinner conversations with Bently were always engaging and never boastful. He would humbly deflect praise for his culinary skills, preferring instead to regale you with captivating stories of recent or past motorcycle trips aboard one of his beloved BMWs. Evenings spent with Bently often culminated in a perfectly crafted Old Fashioned, tailored to your specific taste, perhaps accompanied by a friendly game of cribbage, and always filled with shared laughter and reminiscences of cherished memories and dreams of future adventures.
Bently’s true gift was his unparalleled hospitality and his innate ability to make others feel welcome and cared for, though he always shied away from the spotlight. This characteristic made him an exceptional hotel general manager. He thrived behind the scenes, working diligently to ensure that his work environment fostered a sense of family and belonging among his colleagues.
An adventurer at heart, Bently lived life on his own terms, embracing experiences with open arms and a disregard for unnecessary rules. His passions included the thrill of motorcycle riding, the exhilaration of skiing down slopes, and the enriching experiences of travel. However, above all else, Bently’s greatest love and devotion were reserved for his three sons and his wife. They were the driving force of his life, the source of his deepest joys, and the inspiration for him to live life to the fullest, for as long as he possibly could.
It’s important to remember that Bently, like all of us, was not without his struggles. He faced the silent battles of mental health and depression, conditions that are far too common and often misunderstood. Bently’s family earnestly encourages anyone grappling with depression, or anyone who knows someone who is struggling, to reach out for help, to speak openly about these challenges, and to actively work towards eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health. Resources are available, and help is within reach: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. You can also call 1-800-273-Talk.
A memorial service celebrating Bently’s life is scheduled for Saturday, September 8, 2018, from 5 pm to 7 pm, with a Time of Sharing at 6 pm at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, located at 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard (NW corner of Hwy 36 & Cty Rd 5), Stillwater. Following the service, a celebration of Bently’s life, exactly as he would have wished, will continue at the home of Cyndi and Frank Sommerfeldt, at 9643 Joliet Ave. N. Stillwater, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Bently’s name be made to support his family. Contributions can be made via PayPal by searching [email protected] or through Venmo using the username catiekriewald.
