Much love to each and every one of you.

 Posted by Reed Bretz - Grand Rapids, MI May 19, 2014

Praying for peace and comfort where none seems possible. 

 Posted by Jodi James-Genovese May 19, 2014

Dear Kathy and entire family, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Any time someone passes away, it is very sad, but being so young makes it feel even more tragic. I know, Kathy, you have many fond memories of the many experiences you shared with your son. Thank goodness you have those memories. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your entire family. Hang in there, and know that all of our lives are transitory on this earth, and that now your son is on to a better place. Hugs to you. Love, Sue W

 Posted by Susan Woodruff - Muskegon, MI - Friend of Ben's Mother, Kathy May 19, 2014

Dear Kathy, Keriann, Mandy, Christian, and entire family,
 As you mourn Ben know that there are so many who love and support you. Today your hearts are full of sadness and disbelief he is gone, but know he is still with you in your heart and all the memories you hold dear. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Kris

 Posted by Kris Andres - Friend May 20, 2014

Kathy and family, Your hearts are as heavy with grief as they were recently filled with joy at the birth of the new baby. We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved son, brother and husband, Ben. There are no words that can begin to express our deep sorrow and sympathy. Please know our hearts and our loving prayers are with all of you now as you try to heal and try to understand. May faith, family and friends help you along this path toward peace. We stand beside you. Marty and Dud Smith

 Posted by Marty & Dud Smith - Grand Rapids, MI - Friend through theater May 20, 2014

Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Much love, Anneliese, Kyle, and Jack

 Posted by Anneliese and Kyle Mason - Mount Pleasant, MI May 20, 2014

Memories are treasures that can never be taken away. 

 Posted by Suzanne De Haan - Grand Rapids, MI - friend May 20, 2014

Benny was one of a kind. He could make you laugh, make you frustrated, and make you glad you knew him. He taught me so much while he was my student for quite a few years. He was one of my first interns in a new video program at JPS. He had quite the talent for theatre, for lighting design, and for editing. He could make you laugh at the silliest things. My favorite memory of him was when I gave him some poi balls to "play" with and how he could make those things fly with such little effort. I love you, Ben, and your spirit is always with me. (Luke and Jessica also remember all the good times you three had while I was directing and all the cast members were your sitters. ) 

 Posted by chris terpstra - Spring Lake, MI - Friend May 20, 2014

Kathy, Keriann and family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. I remember Ben as being a fun-loving, kind young man. You will continue to be in my prayers.

 Posted by Don Lancaster - Jenison, MI - Friend May 20, 2014

Kathy, you and your family have our deepest sympathy. Ben was a great pleasure to see on the mornings he and I worked together at my HS office when he was in elementary school.
 We'll be keeping you, Kerriann and Ben's families in our prayers.
 Steve & Nancy Wessels
 

 Posted by Steve Wessels - Holland, MI - co-worker May 21, 2014

Kathy and family, You are in my thought and prayers during this time of loss. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Ben, but in reading his obituary and all of the fond memories shared in his honor; his personality, gifts, talents and wonderful contributions will be missed. Be strong and know that God will take care of you always.

 Posted by Franklene - Kentwood, MI - friend from circle theater May 21, 2014

I remember Ben from the time I first saw him at Sandy Hill when he was a student there and I was the School Psychologist. When he was a student at JHS, he would stop by our offices and say hello. My deepest sympathy to his family and to all those who knew him.

 Posted by Doug Grossa - New Port Richey, FL - Friend May 21, 2014

I remember not being older than 8 years old and around Christmas we were all at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We were told we could take the snowmobile for a ride in the Christmas trees behind the house. I could hear Ben yelling something it sounded like faster so that's what I did. The next thing I knew we had run into a big pine tree. After that I found out he was telling me to slow down. We had to walk back to the house to get help with the snowmobile. We were just starting to get in touch again. He will be missed dearly. 

 Posted by Joellyn Rastello - Manton, MI - Cousin May 21, 2014

Dear Mandy & Family You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's comfort and promises to us wrap around during this very sad time. We are sorry we didn't get to meet Ben , but know you both were happy ane enjoying your life together. God Bless you in the coming days with His comfort. Cousins, With Love & Prayers Larry & Sona Gray 

 Posted by Larry& Sona Gray - Kentwood, MI - Cousins May 22, 2014

Sending white light and energy to Ben on his next journey as well as light and love to all of his family and friends in this time of loss. You are all in my heart. 
 xo~d

 Posted by Danielle ~doxie Kaltz - Detroit, MI - friend May 22, 2014

Kathy and Family,
 The backyards between us will never be the same. If only the tree's could talk? We are so very greatful and blessed to have been your neighbors for many years. We have such fond and wonderful memories, some I would like to forget with our boys creating and making potato bombs? Our family to yours we will so much miss Ben, but we are so happy that he was part of our lives, Now Kathy please know we are always there for you!! We Love you and will be lifting you and your family up in our Prayers! Love you all Carl and Tami DeWeerd and family

 Posted by Carl and Tami DeWeerd - Jenison, MI - friend and neighbor May 22, 2014

This man was the originator on teaching me his ways around the hotel. He knew how to make the job fun while making sure to get all your work done. I learned so much about his hobby and how happy it made him to share his interest with others. Very creative with his work and play and was always making the neatest things. Ben will be very missed. 

 Posted by Theresa RIgoni - Standale, MI - ex coworker May 22, 2014

Kathy and family - My heart is with you today and my deepest deepest condolences. Wishing you peace and strength. Please know you are surrounded by many personal and professional friends who care very much about you and your family and will be thinking of you often in the days to come. Terri Metcalf

 Posted by Terri Metcalf - Holland, MI - Friend of Kathy May 22, 2014

This morning I checked out of the Grandville Holiday Inn Express and something seemed odd. Ben was not at the desk when I checked in last night, and he wasn't there this morning. I asked for Ben at the desk, and that's how I found out about Ben's passing. I am shocked and saddened.
 As a customer of the hotel, Ben made me feel welcome and safe. I travel a lot for work, and Ben was the most memorable, impressionable, and kindest manager I have ever met. He made me feel like the hotel was a another home away from home. He remembered my name. He dug my car out of the snow last winter, even when he was the only person working. He just had a presence that made you feel at ease.
 I always thought about how lucky Ben's family must be to have him in their lives. I am lucky that I crossed paths with him. Going back to the hotel is going to be hard. He is greatly missed. To all family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

 Posted by Anna Daigle - Ferndale, MI - customer at Holiday Inn Express May 28, 2014

dear family and friends.
 we were so saddened by the passing of Ben. He was always so special and kind to us. He always helped my husband who doesn't walk real well, carrying his bags and whatever was needed. We found out that he has some friends that we knew as well. When it was my moms 90th bd , a surprise, I had to come early in the hotel without her knowing it and he helped me get the decorations done and anything i needed. We liked him alot and again saddened for his passing.. May our Lord and Savior Jesus hold you all with great love and give you courage and strength as each day is one step at a time. He will be faithful to help you..Psalm 121.. blessings..mike and raeanne hyatt

 Posted by michael and raeanne hyatt - Anthem, AZ - custumer from holiday inn June 17, 2014

OBITUARY

Benjamin "Ben" Rastello

March 26, 1984 – May 18, 2014

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