Ben Acheff, age 44, of Valparaiso, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021. Ben is survived by his parents: Lawrence and Gwen Acheff; sister, Heather (Chad) Schweitzer. Ben was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: George and Gwendolyn Acheff; maternal grandparents: Jeffery and Mae Ashford. Ben was a caring and gentle man with aContinue Reading
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Ben Acheff, age 44, of Valparaiso, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021.
Ben is survived by his parents: Lawrence and Gwen Acheff; sister, Heather (Chad) Schweitzer.
Ben was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: George and Gwendolyn Acheff; maternal grandparents: Jeffery and Mae Ashford.
Ben was a caring and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor. He worked as an IT specialist at Valparaiso University. Ben had a brilliant mind which inspired him to be an inventor and became a patent holder. He enjoyed making works of art, particularly sketching and cartooning. Ben loved classic cars and was a proud 1959 Cadillac owner. He had a great love for his family. He was a kind soul and had a gentle way with all animals. In his free time, he enjoyed target shooting.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday March 4, 2021, at Geisen Funeral & Cremation Services, 7905 Broadway Ave., Merrillville, IN 46410 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Funeral Services will be at Geisen Funeral & Cremation Services in Merrillville, IN, at 12:30 PM on Friday March 5, 2021 with Pastor Mark Wilkins officiating. Interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville, IN.
Due to Covid-19, restrictions in the Funeral Home include: social distancing at 6 feet, and face masks will be required.
Memorial donations may be given in Ben’s name to a Humane Society of donor’s choice.
Visit Ben’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.
Andras Farkas
left a message on May 30, 2021:
I knew him online, both him and a character he played as. He was pleasant, fun, and good to be around.
I'll miss him.
Jason Olsen
left a message on May 30, 2021:
I only learned today of Ben's passing. I have known Ben for 15 or more years... I can't quite comprehend that the kindness and warmth he exuded through his life has left us. We'd had plans to do a few things this summer, to reconnect after all the the enforced time apart in 2020. Ben was quick to share a music video, one of his many drawings, and a Manhattan (oh how he loved to tend bar for his friends). I have so many fond memories of social times shared, be they walking with him at a classic car meet-up or at the target range, or just in his living room watching something on the TV.
My heart breaks for all of his family, and I want the world to know how wonderful a friend he was to me and so many others.
Lydia Dunn
left a message on May 30, 2021:
Like Chris, I was just advised of Ben's passing tonight. We had lost touch, but I have many memories of chatting about art and creativity and really enjoyed his warm, quiet personality.
The world is a little darker for his loss.
Chris Kozloski
left a message on May 30, 2021:
I am shocked to hear this. I am a friend of his online and we always exchanged artwork back and forth. I've known him 20 years and he was always one who would brighten my day when I say him around. Condolences to all. His time with us was too short. He will be missed.
Eileen M Hagele
left a message on March 26, 2021:
Gwen
I am so sorry for your loss Sending hugs and prayers to you
eileen
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Lynn Shimala
left a message on March 11, 2021:
I was so sorry to learn of Ben’s passing. I worked in the Social Work Dept. at VU until Dec. 2013 when I retired and moved to Maine. Ben frequented our office many times and we got to know him well and he us. I will keep him and your family in my prayers. God bless.
Agnes Simmons
left a message on March 5, 2021:
Larry, Gwen, Heather and Chad I am so sorry in your loss of Ben. May you cherish the thought of your beloved son and brother. Know that Ben will always be with you cradled in your heart forever. Much love Agnes.
Kate Museus Dabay
left a message on March 5, 2021:
I am new to Valpo, but today I got to sit in with the IT department as they shared memories of Ben. He sounds fascinating, funny, and perfectly geeky -- the kind of person I would have loved to get to know here. It was a joy to hear how much they love him and all that he added to campus. May God's peace be with all of you as you do the hard work of missing Ben. - Kate (new university pastor)
Darron Farha
left a message on March 5, 2021:
Ben was a good man, with a soft heart. I will miss talking to him as we crossed paths in Kretzmann Hall, and hearing about his latest invention. Rest in peace Ben!
Art & Carol
left a message on March 5, 2021:
Ben was such a bright and handsome young man. May you come to find joy in the memories you shared together. We pray that you feel the Lord comforting you in your sorrow.
Peace be with you,
Wayne and Linda Russell
left a message on March 4, 2021:
You were such a pleasure to watch, from across the street, growing up to be the fine man you were, letting us enjoy your pleasures from pretty cars, bike trips to fireworks, We will always Cherish your memory with love♥️♥️
Eric B
left a message on March 4, 2021:
Larry, Gwen, Heather: my deepest sympathies. So sad to hear of Ben's passing when my Mom relayed the information. You are sincerely in my prayers.
Mike Schwinn
left a message on March 4, 2021:
I'm sorry to hear about this Ben. Rest in peace my friend.
Kristin Takish
left a message on March 4, 2021:
I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of Ben. I work at Valparaiso University and although I didn't know Ben, I'm positive he was an amazing young man. I send my deepest condolences. May God bring peace and strength to all who knew and loved Ben.
Dave & Sue Savage
left a message on March 4, 2021:
Larry, Gwen, Heather & Chad. We pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you during this most difficult time. Please know if there is anything you need us for, to hold your hand, to help you do anything, or to just quietly sit with you, we will be there for you. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. With all our love, Dave and Sue.
Becky and Jerry Plantinga
left a message on March 3, 2021:
Dear Gwen and Larry, our hearts are broken for you both as you are grieving the loss of Ben. I can only imagine the pain and unending tears you are experiencing during this difficult time. I enjoyed watching the video and seeing all of the pictures of your wonderful son and family. Treasure and hold each memory dear, reminding you of happy times together. Heather, my sympathies to you and your husband, having to say Good-Bye to your big brother and friend. We are so terribly sad and sorry for your loss. We will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our Love to you all!
Harold and Mary Anne Shaw
left a message on March 3, 2021:
Remembering Ben in his early years when our children were little. He was always so cheerful, outgoing, and smart. Our deepest sympathy to you, Gwen and Larry and Heather. May you be consoled in your grief knowing the Mercy of God and loving concern of your friends. We hold you in our prayers. Harold and Mary Anne
Joanne Bowker
left a message on March 3, 2021:
I am so sad to hear of Ben's passing. My heartfelt sympathy to family. I enjoyed chatting with Ben from time to time when he would service computers in the office. Such a nice and helpful guy. I made him smile and laugh once when I told him he looked like actor Kevin Bacon. He said I made his day. Rest in peace Ben. You will be missed by many at Valparaiso University.
Jayne Kranc
left a message on March 2, 2021:
Sending all my love to Gwen, Larry and Heather on this sad occasion. Ben was a beloved babysitter to our boys and a true friend to our whole family. May our friendship and constant thoughts ease you through these difficult days.
Sandra Stevens
left a message on March 2, 2021:
sending prayers to the family at this most difficult time
May God watch over you
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Andras Farkas
left a message on May 30, 2021:
I knew him online, both him and a character he played as. He was pleasant, fun, and good to be around.
I'll miss him.
Jason Olsen
left a message on May 30, 2021:
I only learned today of Ben's passing. I have known Ben for 15 or more years... I can't quite comprehend that the kindness and warmth he exuded through his life has left us. We'd had plans to do a few things this summer, to reconnect after all the the enforced time apart in 2020. Ben was quick to share a music video, one of his many drawings, and a Manhattan (oh how he loved to tend bar for his friends). I have so many fond memories of social times shared, be they walking with him at a classic car meet-up or at the target range, or just in his living room watching something on the TV.
My heart breaks for all of his family, and I want the world to know how wonderful a friend he was to me and so many others.
Lydia Dunn
left a message on May 30, 2021:
Like Chris, I was just advised of Ben's passing tonight. We had lost touch, but I have many memories of chatting about art and creativity and really enjoyed his warm, quiet personality.
The world is a little darker for his loss.
Chris Kozloski
left a message on May 30, 2021:
I am shocked to hear this. I am a friend of his online and we always exchanged artwork back and forth. I've known him 20 years and he was always one who would brighten my day when I say him around. Condolences to all. His time with us was too short. He will be missed.
Eileen M Hagele
left a message on March 26, 2021:
Gwen
I am so sorry for your loss Sending hugs and prayers to you
eileen
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Lynn Shimala
left a message on March 11, 2021:
I was so sorry to learn of Ben’s passing. I worked in the Social Work Dept. at VU until Dec. 2013 when I retired and moved to Maine. Ben frequented our office many times and we got to know him well and he us. I will keep him and your family in my prayers. God bless.
Agnes Simmons
left a message on March 5, 2021:
Larry, Gwen, Heather and Chad I am so sorry in your loss of Ben. May you cherish the thought of your beloved son and brother. Know that Ben will always be with you cradled in your heart forever. Much love Agnes.
Kate Museus Dabay
left a message on March 5, 2021:
I am new to Valpo, but today I got to sit in with the IT department as they shared memories of Ben. He sounds fascinating, funny, and perfectly geeky -- the kind of person I would have loved to get to know here. It was a joy to hear how much they love him and all that he added to campus. May God's peace be with all of you as you do the hard work of missing Ben. - Kate (new university pastor)
Darron Farha
left a message on March 5, 2021:
Ben was a good man, with a soft heart. I will miss talking to him as we crossed paths in Kretzmann Hall, and hearing about his latest invention. Rest in peace Ben!
Art & Carol
left a message on March 5, 2021:
Ben was such a bright and handsome young man. May you come to find joy in the memories you shared together. We pray that you feel the Lord comforting you in your sorrow.
Peace be with you,
Wayne and Linda Russell
left a message on March 4, 2021:
You were such a pleasure to watch, from across the street, growing up to be the fine man you were, letting us enjoy your pleasures from pretty cars, bike trips to fireworks, We will always Cherish your memory with love♥️♥️
Eric B
left a message on March 4, 2021:
Larry, Gwen, Heather: my deepest sympathies. So sad to hear of Ben's passing when my Mom relayed the information. You are sincerely in my prayers.
Mike Schwinn
left a message on March 4, 2021:
I'm sorry to hear about this Ben. Rest in peace my friend.
Kristin Takish
left a message on March 4, 2021:
I am so very sorry to learn of the loss of Ben. I work at Valparaiso University and although I didn't know Ben, I'm positive he was an amazing young man. I send my deepest condolences. May God bring peace and strength to all who knew and loved Ben.
Dave & Sue Savage
left a message on March 4, 2021:
Larry, Gwen, Heather & Chad. We pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you during this most difficult time. Please know if there is anything you need us for, to hold your hand, to help you do anything, or to just quietly sit with you, we will be there for you. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. With all our love, Dave and Sue.
Becky and Jerry Plantinga
left a message on March 3, 2021:
Dear Gwen and Larry, our hearts are broken for you both as you are grieving the loss of Ben. I can only imagine the pain and unending tears you are experiencing during this difficult time. I enjoyed watching the video and seeing all of the pictures of your wonderful son and family. Treasure and hold each memory dear, reminding you of happy times together. Heather, my sympathies to you and your husband, having to say Good-Bye to your big brother and friend. We are so terribly sad and sorry for your loss. We will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our Love to you all!
Harold and Mary Anne Shaw
left a message on March 3, 2021:
Remembering Ben in his early years when our children were little. He was always so cheerful, outgoing, and smart. Our deepest sympathy to you, Gwen and Larry and Heather. May you be consoled in your grief knowing the Mercy of God and loving concern of your friends. We hold you in our prayers. Harold and Mary Anne
Joanne Bowker
left a message on March 3, 2021:
I am so sad to hear of Ben's passing. My heartfelt sympathy to family. I enjoyed chatting with Ben from time to time when he would service computers in the office. Such a nice and helpful guy. I made him smile and laugh once when I told him he looked like actor Kevin Bacon. He said I made his day. Rest in peace Ben. You will be missed by many at Valparaiso University.
Jayne Kranc
left a message on March 2, 2021:
Sending all my love to Gwen, Larry and Heather on this sad occasion. Ben was a beloved babysitter to our boys and a true friend to our whole family. May our friendship and constant thoughts ease you through these difficult days.
Sandra Stevens
left a message on March 2, 2021:
sending prayers to the family at this most difficult time
May God watch over you
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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