Benjamin Michael Vossen

Ben grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where his warmth, humor, and magnetic personality were evident early on. After spending his childhood and much of his young adulthood in Wichita he moved to the Kansas City area, which quickly became home and the background for so many meaningful relationships and memories.

Ben had a remarkable gift for making friends everywhere—on airplanes, in restaurants, or standing in line—and it was not uncommon for a brief encounter to turn into plans to meet again and even lasting friendships. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and open.

Along with his husband Brad, Ben loved to entertain, bringing together diverse circles of friends who reflected the many chapters and corners of his life. He and Brad also loved to travel, with memorable trips to Mexico, Turks and Caicos, Spain, Italy, Paris, London, Hawaii, and beyond—each adventure adding to the stories to tell.

Above all, Ben adored his family and friends, his beloved dogs, and the things that brought him joy. His loves included music—especially Kacey Musgraves, Britney Spears, and Miley Cyrus—all things Real Housewives and anything Bravo, Home Goods, flowers, and his fun-filled Puzzle Club. Ben was famously known for encouraging everyone to “kick it into high gear”, using anything around as a phone to get a laugh out of kids, and using his catchphrases “Dorit” and “Hurricane Katrina” among many others—small moments that somehow became unforgettable.

Ben is survived by his loving husband Brad; his parents Mary Jo and Mark; his siblings Kathy, Rosa, Mark, Nick, Paul, Andrea, Lauren, and Kelsey, and their spouses; many aunts/uncles and his 36.5 nieces and nephews.

In honor of Ben, and the compassion and openness he brought into the world, donations may be made to The Trevor Project www.thetrevorproject.org or Starkey, Inc. https://starkey.org/

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In true Ben fashion, we will hold TWO celebrations of his life -

The first celebration of Ben’s life will be at his childhood home in Wichita, KS on May 24th from noon to 2pm.

The second celebration of Ben’s life will be at his home in Leawood, KS on June 6th from 4pm to 7pm.