Obituary for Ben Abraham
Ben Abraham, 94, was a long time resident of Streamwood, IL, moving there from Chicago with his family in 1965. He was a loving husband to Ann for 66 years; devoted father to Michelle (Kerry) Kohlbacher of Crystal Lake, Christine of Streamwood, and Matthew of Villa Park; proud grandfather of Shea (Lynn) Hanson, and Kerry Luke Kohlbacher, and dear brother-in-law, and a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Lane Technical High School in Chicago in 1944 and immediately enlisted in the Army Air Force during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines.
After military service, Ben used his gifted talents working in many trades; rebuilding car engines, installing elevators, construction, bricklaying; where he helped construct many of the new Dominick’s grocery stores that were expanding in the Chicago area, also working on the expansion of the Wilmette Water Treatment Plant. He retired from Basic Wire and Cable in Chicago where he was in charge of building maintenance.
He loved fishing, especially with his brother-in-law Aram, where both families enjoyed many years of vacations together in Wisconsin’s Tomahawk area. In his retirement, other than fishing, his talents continued where he would spend hours in his workshop, crafting and building furniture, chairs, desks, tables, clocks and various artwork for family and friends. And if something was broken, knowing that if you gave it to him, he could likely fix it. And at 94, still sharp enough to correct any of us regarding streets and locations in the city of Chicago where he grew up.
He was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.
Services and burial will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when we can gather together.
He graduated from Lane Technical High School in Chicago in 1944 and immediately enlisted in the Army Air Force during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines.
After military service, Ben used his gifted talents working in many trades; rebuilding car engines, installing elevators, construction, bricklaying; where he helped construct many of the new Dominick’s grocery stores that were expanding in the Chicago area, also working on the expansion of the Wilmette Water Treatment Plant. He retired from Basic Wire and Cable in Chicago where he was in charge of building maintenance.
He loved fishing, especially with his brother-in-law Aram, where both families enjoyed many years of vacations together in Wisconsin’s Tomahawk area. In his retirement, other than fishing, his talents continued where he would spend hours in his workshop, crafting and building furniture, chairs, desks, tables, clocks and various artwork for family and friends. And if something was broken, knowing that if you gave it to him, he could likely fix it. And at 94, still sharp enough to correct any of us regarding streets and locations in the city of Chicago where he grew up.
He was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.
Services and burial will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when we can gather together.