Benedict J. Kosmatka

• Mass of Christian Burial:  Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Faith Community (9520 W. Forest Home Ave.)
• Inurnment:  St. Mary’s Church Cemetery will follow.

BENEDICT J. KOSMATKA

Of Greendale, WI Entered eternal life on December 26, 2020, at the age of 92.  Ben leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of almost 70 years, Grace (nee Marciniak).  Ben was a dedicated father to 5 children, Joyce (Jerome) Schilz, the late Janice (John) Klimaszewski, John (Ellen) Kosmatka, James (Anna) Kosmatka, and Jill Kosmatka.  Proud “Gramps” to Joseph (Jill), James (Roshel), Julie (Joel) Hoko, Jeffrey (Jessica) Schilz, Joy Manske, Janell, Joel, Jennifer Kosmatka, Krysten, Jacob, and Gregory Kosmatka.  Great-Gramps to Natalie, Nate, Naomi Schilz, Benjamin (Jolan), Calvin, Payton, Griffin and Kaele Schilz, Jack, Julia, Jane, and Emma Manske.  Brother of Maryann (Thomas) Bohn. Brother-in-law of Rosemary Kielma and Lucille Orlowski.

He was preceded in death by his parents Benedict E. and Frances (nee Paprocki) Kosmatka.  A graduate of Pulaski High School (1947), Ben served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He was proud to serve his country and was privileged to experience the Honor Flight in 2013.

Ben was the President of Service Tool & Die Co., Inc. until 2000. This company, started by his father, focused on large-scale metal forming deep draw dies.  Ben was awarded the distinguished service award in 1981 by the Milwaukee Area Technical College for his long-standing efforts to grow the apprenticeship program in Milwaukee County.

Ben was most proud of his 50 years of service on the Greendale Police & Fire Commission, where he oversaw the hiring of hundreds of police and fire personnel.  He held numerous roles and responsibilities, including the President and Secretary.  He also served on the board of Overlook Lakes Condominium Association for many years.

Ben was ever-present in our lives and always put family first. He was our example, our biggest supporter, our Gramps, whom we loved dearly. Ben was a runner before it was popular, an athlete at heart who enjoyed being active. He showed us the value of hard work and exemplified the meaning of putting others first through volunteering.

A special thank you to the outstanding staff at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center and their kind and dedicated care provided to Ben over many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Donna Lexa Art Centers, 247 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha, WI  53186.  Donna Lexa Art Center promotes creativity, dignity, and community for people with disabilities and special needs through art.