Bennett Bernard “Ben” Kinkelaar, 62, of Wichita, Kan., passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024. He was born on September 5, 1961, in Dodge City, Kan., to Bernard H. and Rosanna (Millershaski) Kinkelaar.

Ben was a graduate of Dodge City High School and the University of Kansas. He enjoyed attending NHRA Drags and the Knoxville National Sprint car races. In his early years he and his older brother, Steve, would spend hours rebuilding old cars. He liked fishing, hunting, and being in the outdoors. Ben also like feeding the birds and tending his garden. These were both things that he and Mom enjoyed doing together in his backyard.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard, and brothers, Steve Kinkelaar and Mark Kinkelaar.

Survivors include his mother, Rosanna; brother, Rodney Kinkelaar (Diana); sisters, Donna Dauer (Norman) and Judy Schlotfeldt; and sister-in-law, Kay Kinkelaar.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, Kan. Visitation will be the hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City, at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 15.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, care of Ryan Mortuary.