Bently (Ben) H. Kriewald, age 52, passed away unexpectedly on August 30, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. He was predeceased by his first wife, Barb L. Kriewald, and is survived by his wife, Catie Kriewald, his three beloved sons, Nick A. Kriewald, Nathan R. Kriewald, and Bently T. Kriewald, his parents, Anne and Gerald James Kriewald, and his siblings, Danny Kriewald, Bonnie Kriewald, and Jerry Kriewald, along with numerous relatives and dear friends.
Words seem inadequate to truly capture the essence of Bently’s life and the profound impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him. In typical Bently fashion, he likely would have preferred a lively gathering over a somber obituary. Imagine walking into his home, and almost instantly, Bently would offer you a fine glass of wine or a cold beer. The aroma of an elaborate meal would fill the air as he encouraged you to indulge in beautifully arranged appetizers. As he cooked, his gaze would sweep across his assembled family and friends, a smile radiating love, pride, and pure joy in the company of those he held dear.
During dinner, Bently, ever humble, would deflect compliments about his culinary skills by recounting captivating tales from his recent or past motorcycle adventures aboard one of his BMWs. He would culminate the evening by crafting a perfectly personalized Old Fashioned cocktail, just to your liking, before suggesting a game of cribbage, reminiscing about shared memories and future escapades.
Bently excelled in hospitality and entertaining, yet he always remained a man who preferred to shine the spotlight on others. This quality made him an exceptional hotel general manager. He thrived behind the scenes, working diligently to ensure his work colleagues felt like an extension of his own family. Bently possessed an adventurous spirit, one that didn’t always adhere strictly to convention. He had a passion for motorcycle riding, skiing down slopes, and exploring new destinations through travel. Above all else, Bently’s greatest love and devotion belonged to his three sons and his wife. They were the center of his universe, the driving force behind his vibrant life.
While Bently was not without imperfections, a characteristic shared by all, his life serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing mental health. Mental health and depression are serious challenges, often suffered in silence. Bently’s family earnestly encourages anyone struggling with depression, or those who know someone who is, to seek help, speak openly, and break the stigma surrounding mental health. Resources are available, such as the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ and 1-800-273-Talk.
A memorial service to celebrate Bently’s life will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018, from 5 pm to 7 pm, with a Time of Sharing at 6 pm at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard (NW corner of Hwy 36 & Cty Rd 5), Stillwater. Following the service, a celebration of Bently’s life, precisely as he would have wished, will continue at Cyndi and Frank Sommerfeldt’s home at 9643 Joliet Ave. N. Stillwater, MN. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Bently’s name via PayPal search [email protected] or Venmo search username catiekriewald.
