Benedict Joseph Kouma was born March 3, 1939, in Dwight, to John and Alice (Nekuda) Kouma and passed away Oct. 23, 2022, in Seward, at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 20 days.
Ben attended and graduated from Assumption School in Dwight with the Class of 1957, where he enjoyed playing football. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged. Ben met Elaine Potter at a dance in Valparaiso. After two years of dating, the couple was united in marriage on June 15, 1963, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Valparaiso. To this union, two children were adopted. Ben worked at various companies throughout the years, including Benes Service and Cushman Motors. He later began farming full time. In his free time, Ben enjoyed team penning, barrel racing and teaching his grandchildren to ride in 4-H. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and a former member of the Dwight Volunteer Fire Department.
Ben is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers-in-law, Bill Dolezal, Richard Skoda and Tom Branch.
Survivors cherishing Ben’s memory include his wife, Elaine Kouma; children, Daniel and wife, Chrissy Kouma, Annette Clark; grandchildren, Hayley and husband, Nate Figgner, Dawson and Austin Kouma, and Carli, Madeline, Isaac, Benjamin and Elizabeth Clark; great-grandchild, Bristol Figgner; siblings, Martha Dolezal, Violet Branch, Bernice and husband, Roger Stubbs, John Jr. and wife, Shirley Kouma, Gerald and wife, Sherril Kouma; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation is Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home in Dwight with family receiving friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial is Thursday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Brainard with interment at St. Luke's Cemetery in Brainard. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kouma family for future designation. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
