Ben Kutler Obituary (1921 - 2013) - Overland Park, Kansas

Ben Kutler, 92, of Overland Park, KS, passed away Monday, June 17, 2013 at Sweet Life at Brookdale. Services will be at 10:30am Thursday, June 20, in the chapel at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery, with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Kehilath Israel Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Omaha, NE, the Jewish Community Center of Omaha or Overland Park or Care Alternatives Hospice. Ben was born March 15, 1921 in Russia, the son of William and Rose (Oushatz) Kutler, came to the United States from there in 1922, and moved onto Omaha, NE where he lived until moving to the Kansas City area in 1957. He was operations manager for Riekes Wholesale Container Supply Company, starting in Omaha, NE, then Kansas City. Ben worked for them for 45 years before retiring. Ben was a graduate of Omaha Tech High School where he was all city and all state forward in basketball from 1936-1938. He was an avid sports fan playing basketball and handball where he won many awards. He was a member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue for over 50 years and its Men’s Club; life member of B’nai B’rith, member of AZA and since age 14 was a member of the Jewish Community Centers in Omaha and Overland Park. Ben was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers and their spouses; 4 sisters and their spouses; son-in-law: Steven Klugman in 2010 and a grandson, Kenneth Scott Klugman, in 1991. Ben is survived by his wife of 71 years, Elinore R. Kutler, of the home; son and daughter-in-law: Stephen and Phyllis Kutler, Carmichael, CA; daughter: Elaine Klugman, Lenexa, KS; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.