Benedict Joseph Kouma was born on March 3, 1939, in Dwight, Nebraska to John and Alice (Nekuda) Kouma and passed away on October 23, 2022, in Seward, Nebraska at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 20 days.

Ben attended and graduated from Assumption School in Dwight with the Class of 1957 where he enjoyed playing football. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged. Ben met Elaine Potter, at a dance in Valparaiso. After two years of dating, the couple was united in marriage on June 15, 1963, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Valparaiso, Nebraska. To this union two children were adopted. Ben worked at various companies throughout the years including Benes Service and Cushman Motors. He later began farming full time. In his free time, Ben enjoyed Team Penning, Barrel Racing and teaching his grandchildren to ride in 4-H. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and a former member of the Dwight Volunteer Fire Department.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Bill Dolezal, Richard Skoda and Tom Branch.

Survivors cherishing Ben's memory include his wife, Elaine Kouma; children, Daniel and wife, Chrissy Kouma, Annette Clark; grandchildren, Hayley and husband, Nate Figgner, Dawson and Austin Kouma, Carli, Madeline, Isaac, Benjamin, and Elizabeth Clark; great-grandchild, Bristol Figgner; siblings, Martha Dolezal, Violet Branch, Bernice and husband, Roger Stubbs, John Jr. and wife, Shirley Kouma, Gerald and wife, Sherril Kouma; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of a life shared with Ben.