Benjamin Walter Crouse, 14, of Atwood was born April 10, 2003. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. On July 4, 2017, Ben’s promise of eternal life was fulfilled, at the age of 14, when he ascended through the gates of heaven due to injuries sustained in an ATV accident. His final days were spent surrounded by his family and some of his closest friends in Wesley Children’s Hospital, in Wichita, Kan.
Although Ben’s time on this earth seems much too short, we take solace in the fact that Ben lived his 14 years to the absolute fullest. Ben was a happy young man with a handsome smile that could light up any room he entered. Ben loved to entertain with his fun-loving antics, followed by his contagious laughter. He was strong, sweet, caring and charismatic. Ben made sure every day he spent on this earth was enjoyable and was a beloved friend of many.
Ben was an adventurous, athletic and excitable teenage boy. He spent a great deal of time playing sports, spending time outdoors or playing games with his siblings. Ben loved football, whether it was playing it or watching the Broncos on Sunday. He wanted to see everything he could that the world had to offer and enjoyed taking trips with his family to California, Alaska and Hawaii.
God had better plans for Ben, and he now joins his Grandpas, Fred Crouse and Gerald Heussman, doing the things that the Lord would have them do for Him. He was the type of young man that anyone would be happy to call a son, grandson, brother or friend, and he will be terribly missed by many.
Ben is survived by his parents, Sam and Jan Crouse of Atwood; siblings, Max Mickunas of Horton, Kan., and Will, Pete and Amy Crouse, all of Atwood; grandmothers, Elaine Heussman of Atwood and Donna Crouse of Dallas Center, Iowa; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
In keeping with Ben’s loving and generous spirit, his final act of kindness was to give the gift of life through organ donation.
Visitation will be Monday, July 10 from 4-7 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Atwood. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 11 at 9 a.m. at Rawlins County High School Football Field.
Memorials can be sent to the Ben Crouse Memorial Fund in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
