Benedict John 'Ben' Koske, age 104, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away August 4, 2009, at the Castle Manor Nursing Home in Hot Springs.

Ben was born February 20, 1905 in Chicago, IL to Roman and Catherine (Zauwislak) Koske. At age two he moved with his parents to the rural Chadron area, where he grew up. He met and married Helen Novak on September 4, 1946 in Chadron. Ben farmed the family farm in the Dakota Junction area for many years and he was also a self-employed carpenter in Chadron until moving to Hot Springs in 1957. At Hot Springs he continued his carpentry trade and also farmed in the Oral area until his retirement. He enjoyed growing trees and plants and was chosen Johnny Appleseed in 1978 in Hot Springs. Ben was also in the movie "How the West was Won". While in Chadron, Ben was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Chadron beginning in 1945 and became a charter member of the Knights of Columbus in Hot Springs.

Ben is survived by two nieces well as many friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen; parents and brother, Frank.

Wake services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 9, 2009 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 10, 2009 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Fr. Peter Kovarik officiating . Interment will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 10, 2009 at the Calvary Cemetery in Chadron.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.