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Benjamine "Bennie" Kiracofe

March 7, 2017
Portage, MI

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Kiracofe, Benjamin Frederick "Bennie" Portage, MI Bennie, age 75, died unexpectedly Tuesday evening, March 7, 2017 at his residence. Bennie, the son of Burley W. and Frances H. (Steinstra/Kiracofe) Winkler, was born in Milwaukee, WI on November 11, 1941; moved to this area in 1952 and was a 1959 graduate of Galesburg-Augusta High School. Bennie worked for many different manufacturers throughout Three Rivers and Kalamazoo. He retired from Benteler Corporation of Galesburg as a machine operator. After retiring he volunteered at the West Michigan Cancer Center driving people to their appointments. Bennie loved driving and being on the open road so much he took a job with Don Seelye Ford as a driver and would drive vehicles and trucks all over the United States. Cars and driving were his passion and he enjoyed sharing stories about his travels! Bennie was a friendly guy who had lots of friends and acquaintances wherever he went. He loved helping out at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission and visiting with people at Ministry with Community. He attributed both agencies for helping him during a difficult time in his life. Bennie is survived by his son, Benjamin W. (Kara) Kiracofe of Forsyth, MO; by his daughter, Lori E. (Gerald) Lumadue of Constantine, MI; five precious grandchildren Lance, Steven, Abigail, Thomas and Arabella; three sisters, Marilyn M. Strawhun of Oakland, AR, Claudia J. (Phil) Pitko of Climax, MI and Brenda L. (Ron) Slagell of Augusta, MI; one niece; Jennifer Slagell and two nephews; Preston Pitko and Matthew Slagell and his special friend, Dawn Martin. Bennie was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Clifford B. Kiracofe and a brother-in-law, Robert H. Strawhun. A Celebration of Bennie's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bennie's honor may be directed to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, 448 N. Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or the Ministry With Community, 500 N. Edwards Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Bennie's family with his arrangements. Personal messages and/or favorite memories of Bennie may be place at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.