Name: Calling hours for Benjamin Kaster
Start: 2021-07-06T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-07-06T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Moreland Funeral Home - Westerville

Kaster, Benjamin
1933 - 2021
Benjamin H. Kaster, 87, of Westerville, passed away on June 29, 2021 at home. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio, graduated from Wilson High School in 1953, and went on to attend Kent State University, where he was active in Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He was past president of the North Canton, Ohio, Jaycees and was active in the Westerville Rotary Club. Ben retired from Nationwide Insurance after thirty years and worked with his wife Peggy who owned and operated the Blue Goose in Westerville for fifteen years. Ben enjoyed travel and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; sisters, Rachel, Karen and Esther; children, Kim (Edward) Troup, Kathy (Mark) Trotter and Eric (Debra) Kaster; three grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and beloved dog, Rooney. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Citizens for Humane Action Animal Shelter. Friends may call Tuesday, July 6 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 East Schrock Road, Westerville. There will be a private service for the family the following day.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Kaster

Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.

14 Entries

Eric J Kaster (Son)

July 8, 2021

To my Father

My father fit most categories when picturing the quintessential image of what was expected of a man of his generation, he was a provider, he´d go to work in the morning and we´d celebrate his return in the evening. McDonalds was a special treat and the Brown Derby was for special, special occasions We took family vacations and spent 4th of July weekend barbecuing and watching fireworks.

Childhood was a blur; I was only aware of the comfort and safety growing up with two parents, never wanting for anything but seldom do I recall pitching ball in the backyard or going to a ballgame. It wasn´t until much later in my life my father became my best friend. This was not because he was incapable or disinterested, he was either too busy, or I showed no interest, that coupled with the fact that my father did not broadcast his emotions, in fact, I can´t recall a time he said I love you but it was clearly obvious to all of us he that he did. He was quiet, soft spoken and gentle, those were his super powers.

My father was always there when I needed him, school plays, graduations, bad marriages, financial support on my first home, he was like a lead climber, setting the bolts in solid rock, someone I could always look up to for security and safety, or the belayer another rock climbing term who is the person in charge of holding the rope tight in case the climber falls, my father never let me fall in life, I felt safe.

Clearly I chose poorly when it came to most of my romantic entanglements, there were a few girlfriends my parents liked but I never seemed to make the right choice in my marriages, that is until I met Deb, my dad met Deb when I traveled out to Vegas for work and we spent a lot of time together and from that day on you knew he was no longer worried about who he would trust to watch after me.

Deb and I married soon after and my father was my best man, not by default but because he truly was the best man I know and it seemed appropriate given the bond he and Deb shared that he be a part of the ceremony.

So in 2013 I had the opportunity to move back to Ohio from Florida where Deb and I enjoyed a comfortable life, I was offered a nearly six figure salary for which I know my father was proud, I had made it and he was excited to have us close (maybe too close while we built a dream home just a couple miles away and lived with my parents until it´s completion) We were tested and tested again when I was downsized from my employer and it took nearly a year to recover, but recover I did taking a job with an Art College in Detroit who allowed me to stay in Ohio and work remotely, this is when my relationship with my father really solidified and I cherish that time I had with him traveling to Detroit to watch a Tigers game, we talked for three hours non stop up and back.

My father liked video poker, we had opportunities to stop at the casino after the ballpark, take in a good meal. On his birthday two years ago, dad, my brother in law Mark, sister Kathy and Deb had taken him to Hollywood Casino here in Columbus. Throughout the evening my dad was up and down all night never catching a break and hitting a decent payout, he seemed disappointed. While he was playing video poker I wandered over to a progressive slot and watched someone win big, naively I thought, hey, maybe it´ll pay out big for me too (and it did) so I ran and found dad dejected and sad on his birthday I´ll remind you, I convinced him to give this slot a try and he WON! He made back his losses and quite a bit more, that is a night I will cherish forever because (thank god) I could give that to him and make him happy just like he gave me so much in life to make me happy.

Dad, you are my lead climber, my Royal Flush payout, my Best Man and best friend, I will love you always and keep your memory alive in the stories I tell

Alan Payne

July 8, 2021

So sorry for your loss. The times I met Ben what a class person.

Bruce and Vicki Reichert

July 6, 2021

Eric and Kaster family,
So sorry for your loss.

Kim Troup

July 6, 2021

A girls first love is her dad A piece of my heart broke at your death But the strength you instilled in your children will allow us to grieve and return stronger Memories will carry us thru May you be at peace and know how much you were loved

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Dee Henck, Harley and Oliver

July 6, 2021

I am saddened to hear of Ben's passing. I will always remember his gentle spirit, kind words and sweet smile. I will miss our morning chats about Rooney, his family that he loved so much and his career. My thoughts and prayers are with Peggy, his 3 children and Rooney in these difficult days. I know he is in a better place and we will see him again some day.

Tim & Linda Lawson

July 5, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Kathy (Kaster) Trotter

July 5, 2021

You will be missed so very much.
The rock and the glue that you were to our family are gone.
Know that we will work to hold that bond you created. The memories are so dear.
Until we see each other again.
I love you, my dad.

Carla Gonzalez

July 4, 2021

So sorry for your family´s loss.

Todd & Lucy Bailey

July 4, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Prayers goes to the families.

Debra Kaster

July 4, 2021

You will be missed Ben! Such a sweet, loving & gentle soul!

Lindy Butler

July 2, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Ben´s passing. He was such a kind man.