Ben graduated from Papillion La Vista High School in 1992 and received his bachelor’s in psychology and philosophy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1996. Ben was exceptionally handy; he could build or fix just about anything. His creativity and passion drove him to take up dozens of projects aimed at improving his century-old home, truck, motorcycle, bikes, kayaks, and so much more. Ben loved spending time outdoors camping, hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking with his family and friends. Ben danced whenever there was an opportunity and with great enthusiasm.
Ben was patient and had a kind heart, which led him to a decades-long career in social work. He cared for developmentally disabled adults through Region V for eight years, and he spent over 18 years at the NE Department of Health Human Services, first as a Child and Family Services Specialist investigating abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, and for the last eight years as a supervisor for Adult Protective Services. Ben had a strong, clear speaking and singing voice and was outrageously funny, so he was a natural at public speaking. He advocated for vulnerable adults and educated the public and professionals about adult protective services by presenting at numerous conferences around the state, including the annual statewide Elder Justice Training broadcast on Nebraska Public Media. Ben also served on the Supreme Court Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships, and previously on Lincoln/Lancaster TRIAD.
Ben married Laura Deitchler in 2000 and with her had two sons, Noah and Jude Kroeze, whom he adored. Ben met the love of his life, Trish Wonch Hill, in the Fall of 2010, and became a loving father to Simone Hill in 2014 as Trish and Ben joined families through marriage. Ben was a family man and he was so proud of his wife and children, he never stopped bragging.
Ben is survived by his beloved wife Trish, his three children, Noah, Simone, and Jude (Lincoln, NE), his mother, Cathryn Kroeze (Bellevue, NE), his siblings: Bruce Kroeze (Jessica Bobillot, Portland, OR), Bradley Kroeze (Bellevue, NE), Alicia Kroeze (Omaha, NE), Daniel Kroeze (Bellevue, NE), and Kathryn Kroeze (Papillion, NE); in-laws Cynthia Ryan (North Platte, NE), Bill (Gwen) Wonch (Gandy, NE), Amy Adams (Peter Briski, Columbus, OH), Bill (Tygerlily) Wonch (Lincoln, NE), Heidi (Corby) Weir (North Platte, NE), Jeremy (Lisa) Goebel (Syracuse, NE), Jessica (Mike) Cogswell; nieces and nephews Katrina, Jack, and Clio Kroeze; Brandon, Anastazia, Draven, and Claire Weir; Aaron Wilson, Alexander Adams, Allyson Janes and many other nieces and nephews.
Ben was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Kroeze, father-in-law, Richard Ryan, nephew, Alexander Weir, and Trish’s son, Myles Ray Hill.
A memorial service will be held at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street, Lincoln NE, 68502, 11:00am, on Monday, January 15th, 2024. Lunch will follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ben’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Nebraskans Against Gun Violence, where Ben was a long-time member at https://nebraskansagainstgunviolence.com/fund-the-work