He passed away at Fairmont Extendicare in Lethbridge, Alberta, on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 at the age of 87 years young at heart.

Ben was born in Gramsbergen, Holland on January 9th, 1936. He was the second of 13 children, the eldest son, born to John and Anna Stroeve. Ben immigrated with his parents and siblings to Canada in May of 1956, where he worked and traveled and later met and married Dorothy Emerson of Lethbridge. They settled on the Stroeve brothers’ family farm near Picture Butte, Alberta.

Ben spent his life enjoying the company of others and loved life on the farm raising purebred Charolais cattle. His purebred cattle operation was his pride and joy and he loved talking about farming in general. His church was an important part of his life. Ben’s love of others was genuine and countless people have felt his love and care over the years.

He fought a battle with lung and heart issues with positivity, grace and strength for the last 5 years. Ben continued to live his life with his usual determined, positive attitude throughout that time. He spent these last days at Fairmont Extendicare and the family is grateful for the compassionate care and companionship from very special care staff. Ben held a special place in his heart for each of you, in particular Theresa.

Ben and Dorothy were married for 48 years until her passing in January, 2021. Their relationship was one of teamwork and love for farm life and travels to New Mexico and British Columbia.

Ben’s nieces and nephews consider themselves greatly blessed to have had such a beautiful example of positivity and Christ’s love in their uncle and great uncle. Tanya (William) Slomp, Michael (Gisele) Stroeve, Mark (Trish) Lohues, George (Angela) Lohues, Kris (Amy) Stroeve, Shirley (Ed) Stronks and numerous nieces and nephews will miss him deeply.

His great nieces and nephews were the light of his life. He was proud of all of them, and he would give them his full attention and love. He will be greatly missed by Ethan, Ella, Clara, Liam and Liza Slomp, Rylan, Kyler and Mylee Stroeve, Jessica Nelson, Christopher Lohues and Zachary Lohues, Carson Stronks and many other great nieces and nephews. His face lit up, he would raise his hand to his forehead and grin from ear to ear when he would see those close to him enter his room.

Ben’s extended family was very important to him. His brothers were his close friends and he treasured them and their families. He will be missed by his siblings Mary, Riek, Ann, Fenny, John, Joe, Ria, and Wilma, as well as their spouses, in-laws and extended family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, parents John and Anna Stroeve, as well as his siblings Theresa VandenDungen, Herman, Jerry, and Diane Stroeve, many special in-laws, including Marlene Stroeve and special nephew Eddy Stroeve.

Ben’s purebred cattle, faith and family were the center of his life. We will always remember and be inspired by the example he gave to us in each visit and phone call of positivity, awaiting delight in every moment and Christ’s love for all.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Bruce Barrett officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Ben’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Following the Funeral Mass, Ben will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.