Bernard F. Droste (Ben), 78, passed away unexpectedly, at his home in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born February 18, 1943, in Dodge City, Kansas to Edward and Mary (Bieberly)Droste.
Ben married Charlene Werth on September 5, 1970, in Hays, Kansas. He attended grade school and high school in Spearville, Kansas. He received his bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University and his master’s degrees from the University of Kansas, Lawrence and Emporia State University, Emporia.
He spent his teaching career in the De Soto School district, Desoto, Kansas. During the summer months he owned and operated a custom harvesting business which took him from Texas to the Canadian border.
Survivors include his wife, a brother, Lester (Bernice)Droste, Wichita, Kansas and a sister Karen Matthews, Manhattan, Kansas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Donald and Chester and a sister Betty McCall.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Spearville, Kansas, a rosary will proceed the funeral mass at 9:45 a.m. The family requests attendees wear a mask. Inurnment will be at a later date. Due to Covid concerns there will not be a gathering after the services.
Memorials may be made to Saint John the Baptist Church, Spearville or Windhorst Heritage Inc, Windhorst, Kansas in care of the funeral home.
We are so sorry to hear the news about Ben. I just read this today. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Charlene, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Ben. Our prayers are with you. May God be Praised
Charlene, we are so sorry for your loss. You’re in our thoughts and prayers
Charlene,
You and Ben were great neighbors on 4th St., Mom always spoke highly of you both. You are in my prayers.. take time for yourself!
God be with you and keep you strong! Hugs
Charlene, I’m so very sorry for your loss of Ben. Please know that my heart and prayers are with you at the difficult time.
Charlene, my deepest sympathies on Ben’s passing. My thoughts are with you and the family. Ben was a true gentleman.
Pat and I are sorry to hear of Ben passing. We will remember Ben and you in our Prayers. I have many good memories of our times together in school and along a creekbank fishing!
Charlene: I am so sorry about the passing of your husband. Sending caring thoughts for peace and precious memories of your loved ones.
Charlene I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Oh, Charlene, I’m so sorry! Remember that “The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.” Cicero
My Mom, Anna Mae, and I were just thinking of Ben, once again, last week. My Dad went to Heaven in 2005 and we continue farming. We always remembered Ben and enjoyed our times together when he came to harvest our wheat near Altus, Oklahoma. Dad always reflected on those times. George from Birch Creek Colony keeps in contact and told me. GOD bless your heart!
I am so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. He was the librarian at DeSoto High when I began working in the district — he was a constant reliable presence and prized by the staff.
Charlene – My thoughts and prayers are with you .
Charlene- so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. I will miss his gentle laugh and the ever present twinkle in his eye.
Charlene,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Charlene,
We were so very sad to hear this news. I remember Ben as such a quiet sweet man. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending much love your way.
Charlene – we are so sorry for your loss. Ben was a great guy. May your memories of him comfort you during this time of sorrow and in the days ahead.
Charlene,
Know that my thoughts are with you in your time of need.
Charlene, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
I am so very sorry to read of your lose Charlene.Always enjoyed talking with Ben although there were a very few times.He was a hard worker and enjoyed cutting wheat with him.My prayers to you and the family.
Char – I am sorry to read about Ben’s passing. My thoughts are with you .
I’m so sorry. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. We are sending prayers for you and the family.
We were so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. He was a wonderful patient. May his memory forever be a blessing.
Char, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how much your “honey” meant to you. Sending condolences to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss, dear friend. There are no words I can say to ease your pain, but please know that I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.
My condolences to Mr. Droste’s family for their loss. He was the librarian at DeSoto High School in the 70’s when I was a student library volunteer. I never told him this, but his quiet commitment to the library and the students that used it had a big impact on my decision to make a career working in libraries.
So sorry to hear of Ben’s death. I remember he & Char as great neighbors in the 1980s. Ben would pull-start my lawnmower for me because I was too weak to do it myself.