Ben H. Cossel

Ben Harve Cossel passed away peacefully at his home in Hope on April 28, 2013 after a long illness. Ben was born in Enid, Oklahoma on April 12, 1935. He and his family moved to California in 1941 during the Dust Bowl. Ben met his beloved wife Barbara of 57 years in 1955 after his service in the Army as a Paratrooper in Germany. They had four children and he loved camping, fishing and hunting with them. Ben moved his family to Wisdom, MT in 1971 where they owned and operated a service gas station and bulk plant. In 1978 they moved to Hope and started C & S construction. Ben built many beautiful custom homes in East Bonner County. Ben is survived by his wife Barbara; 4 children: Azalee (Tim) Scofield, Bud (Anna) Cossel, Margie (Mark) Stevens, Jennifer Hutter; 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank his doctors, Carlson, Cope and Burgstahler; many wonderful people too many to list, but especially his caregiver, Robyn Changala who took excellent care of him. At Ben’s request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Building Fund, 601 S. Lincoln Ave, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864.