Obituary
Guest Book
1937
2014
Benhart Andrew Kivilahti was born on January 30th 1937 better known as "Papa" to many, passed away on April 24, 2014 in the comfort of his own home with many of his beloved family members at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Hilma Kivilahti, sister Helen Dresher and grandson Mark Kivilahti. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Nancy Kivilahti, as well as his four daughters: Jane Valk, Barbara (Dave) Harrell, Lori Kelleher, and Cathy (Jeff) Balich; his grandchildren: Gina Price, Jason Ferrario, Kevin (Anki) Mihovich, Patrick, Chris and Ashley Kelleher, Caitlyn and Kylie Balich, as well as his great grandchildren: Austin Kivilahti, Sophia and Charlotte Price, Sydney and Tyler Kelleher and his siblings: Wilbert Ranta and Thelma Heckila and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a young man at heart, who was forever tinkering and keeping busy with his hobbies. He retired from Penske after 25 years of service as a skilled Mechanic, and his love for cars never subsided. Even after retirement he remained the mechanic for his family. They jokingly recount how he could easily diagnose a car problem with just a mimicked sound of the problem.
Originally from Biwabik, Minnesota, he spent 28 years in Spring Valley, CA in a home he built from the ground up with his family. Here he enjoyed his gardening, the daily "funny" paper, crosswords, westerns, and was a diehard SF Forty Niners and Giants fan that never missed a game, and often watched them with his grandchildren and daughters.
While he was a man of few words, he was a genuine, caring, patient man who supported the many people in his life wholeheartedly. He was the handyman for his home, and that of his daughter Lori. Without request, he maintained both daily. He was a huge support system in the lives of many, and was a strong father figure to his grandchildren who have many cherished memories of tree forts and toys he built, as well as the passing on of his many skills to them. They all lovingly refer to him as "Papa".
Benhart "Papa" Kivilahti will be missed by many. You are welcome to join his family and friends at his Memorial Service at Jones & Lewis Clearlake Memorial Chapel at 16140 Main St, Lower Lake, CA 95457 on May 17th at 2 p.m.
Arrangements under the direction of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel FD 800, Lower Lake, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 14, 2014
Deb Takanen
Our thoughts and heart go out to the whole family at this difficult time. I have lots of good memories of Uncle Benny, he will always be in my heart.
May 14, 2014
Cindy Okstad
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Nancy, I'm so glad Clay and I were able to spend time with you and Ben last year. It's a very good memory for me.
Cindy
May 12, 2014
Susan Griffin
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kivilahti Family and loved ones. Ben was such a kind, nice person and we really enjoyed his company. He had many hobbies one of which was making little houses out of wine corks ... I was so happy when he made us one. It's something we can always remember him by, we will surely miss him ....The Griffin Family
May 7, 2014
Renee Reudy
So Sorry for the Loss of Ben. He will
always be in our hearts! My thoughts
and prayers are with you at this very hard time
May 7, 2014
Janice Reudy
I'm so Sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. I have great memories growing up with Cathy & your whole Family. Friends Forever. Ben will Forever be in our Hearts.
May 7, 2014
LAURA DEGHI
Ben our 2nd father of Heather Lane...Many great memories and great times...We will miss you dearly...We love you...The Deghi's
May 6, 2014
When I think of Uncle Benny, I remember a quiet, funny and kind man. You all must have some wonderful memories to hold on too.
Sending a hug to all of you,
Love,
Beth (Ranta) Gornik
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Funeral services provided by:
Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel16140 Main St PO Box 284, Lower Lake, CA 95457
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