Benedict Francis Stefanek

Benedict Francis (Ben) Stefanek passed away in Wichita, Kansas on February 3, 2021. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 2, 1934, Ben graduated from Benedictine High School in Cleveland and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Benedict's College In Atchison, Kansas. He married Rosemary (Cookie) Highland of Ardmore, Oklahoma on September 2, 1957 and the two settled in Willowick, Ohio following a two-year stint in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, California.

While working three jobs to support his growing family, Ben accepted a position with B.F. Goodrich Chemical Division and soon thereafter moved with his family to The Hague, Netherlands. After five years in the Netherlands, he transferred to Tehran, Iran, where the family lived for three years. While in Iran, Ben served on the School Board at the Tehran American School and coached in the school's varsity football program.

In 1974 Ben moved his family back to Willowick, Ohio where they resided until he retired from B.F. Goodrich in 1992. Following retirement, Ben and Cookie moved to Edmond, Oklahoma, where he worked part time first for Martin Air Courier Co. and then for Cardinal Health. He remained in the Oklahoma City area until December 2020.

Ben had a passion for Notre Dame football, golf, gardening, travel, and Hallmark Channel movies. He also treasured time with family and his many friends and was known as a prolific and entertaining story-teller. His best stories, along with significant family events, were typically punctuated by his favorite bottle of Slivovitz, an inviting Slovakian plum brandy.

Ben is survived by his sons John and wife Kathy of Andover, Kansas, Ken and wife Ann of Alexandria, Virginia, Patrick and his fiance Jill Welter of Honolulu, Hawaii and daughter Carolyn Ann and husband Bob Rauner of Round Rock, Texas.

His grandchildren include, Kyle, Nicole, Rachel, Sarah, Nancy, Kristin and Thomas. He is also survived by his brother A.A. (Gus) Stefanek of Naples, Florida.

Ben was proceeded in death by his parents, Aloysius and Magdalena, his wife Rosemary, his son, Kenneth Anthony, his brothers Aloysius, Edward, Joseph, John, Vince, Tony and his sister Helen Stack.

A viewing will be held at Baggerly Funeral Home in Edmond, OK on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 5:30pm followed by a rosary at 6:00pm. Ben's funeral mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond on Thursday, February 11, at 11:00am. He will be interred at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Benedictine College at 1020 N. 2nd Street, Atchison, Kansas 66002.