Benjamin (Benji) John Schaaf died on Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, in Litchfield at the home of his dear friends Mary Ann and Nate Frie. He was 26 years old. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Kingston. Rev. Orval Wirkkala will officiate. Spring interment will be in the church cemetery. Benjamin Schaaf was born during a blizzard on Jan. 26, 1977. He was a special blessing from God. Benji grew up in Kingston where his playmates included his nieces, Tija and Nissa and cousin Damion. He was baptized and later confirmed at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Kingston. Benji was not affected by the glitter of this fast-paced world and would have chosen a simpler life, enjoying God’s great nature. He loved horticulture and loved to camp. He shared his faith in God with his friends and had great love for all of them. In more recent years he used his creative talents to make furniture from birch and dogwood. Benji was preceded in death by his father, Robert; grandparents Charlie and Sophie Schaaf and George Huro. He is survived by his mother, Gina, of Kingston; grandmother Mabel Huro of Kingston; siblings Lisa (and Joe) Inselman of Kingston, Andrea (and Don) Rose of Kimball; Todd Schaaf of Kingston; and Troy (and Karen) Schaaf of Kingston; 13 nieces and nephews and two great-nephews. Casketbearers will be Nate Frie, Damion Schauer, Kipp Inselman, Joshua Inselman, Ray Wells and Sheri Laughton. Honorary bearers are Laurie Wells and Rhonda Taina. Special music will be provided by Brandon and David Schauer and Beth Wirkkala will accompany on the piano and organ.
