Benjamin J. Kohlhof

NORFOLK -- Celebration of Life Service for Benjamin J. Kohlhof, 40, of Norfolk will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Christ is King Community Church in Norfolk. Officiating the service will be Pastor Glenn Wapelhorst, Pastor Dick Dungan, Pastor Dale Tayler, and Pastor Chris Winegar. Private burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 15, 2018 at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Benjamin died Tuesday, May 29, 2018, as a result of a traffic accident in Dali, Yunnan Province in the People’s Republic of China. He was in China to reunite and travel with his fiancé, Danyan Hong, who had recently received her visa. They were to return to the U.S. to be married. The son of Dennis and Susan (Hopkins) Kohlhof, he was born July 5, 1977 in Norfolk. He was baptized on Sept., 11,1977, at Grace Lutheran Church in Norfolk and confirmed in 1992 at Peace Evangelical church, rural Norfolk. Ben attended Winter School District 20 and Park Avenue Christian School. He graduated from Norfolk Senior High School in 1996. He attended several semesters at Northeast Community College and was on the President’s List. Ben started working with his Dad at D W Kohlhof Trucking & Repair while in high school. Then he worked at the Norfolk Regional Center for 20 years, starting in Food Service, then as a psychiatric Technician, Patient Services assistant and Activity Assistant. At the time of his death he was employed with Employment Works, Inc, Norfolk. Ben had an unconditional love for his family and friends and a heart for ministering to others. Ben spent time in India, Haiti and Mexico on mission trips. He loved traveling, being in airports, and learning about other cultures, the people, the food, the customs. If he became interested in something he would read and study about it, learning all he could. Some of his favorite interests were the stock market, craft beers, and growing super-hot peppers. He enjoyed mountain biking, softball league, and all Husker sports. Ben was an artist and a poet and wrote many profound words. He began piano lessons at age 4 and was self-taught on the guitar. Ben especially enjoyed spending time with his cousins and their families. Ben was a member of Christ is King Community Church in Norfolk, played in the worship band, and hosted Wednesday Night Bible Study in his home. He was involved with the Suds Missions, Teens Encounter Christ, Dalit Freedom Network, and sponsored a child through Compassion International. Survivors include his fiancé, Danyan Hong of Guangzhou, China; his parents, Dennis and Susan Kohlhof of Norfolk; one brother, Bill Kohlhof and his wife Stephanie; his grandparents, Jeanne H. Hopkins of Norfolk, and Willard and Jerrine Kohlhof of Battle Creek; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Ben was preceded in death by his grandfather Bert Hopkins, aunt Phyllis Kohlhof Higel, cousin Lynn Tosh, and his beloved dog Gertie. Bearers will be Scott Bruening, Chance Buss, Eric Rogat, Travis Schaefer, Nate Caauwe, and Alex Steadman. Honorary bearers are his cousins Andrew Speidel, Katie Gillson, Jon Price, Adam Beck, Daylla Beck, Cassie Forney, Chrissy McGhee, Chandra Zohner, Chelsey Santos, Caitie Johnson, Callie Zohner, Caleb Zohner, Jessi Hansen, and JoDee Sun. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Benjamin J. Kohlhof

July 5, 1977 - May 29, 2018