Ben Ichikawa

Ben K. Ichikawa of Aurora, Colorado passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023 at the age of 98.  Ben was born May 28, 1924 in Fort Lupton, Colorado to Nisaburo and Tsutano (Kawauchi) Ichikawa.

As he was growing up on the farm, Ben enjoyed working with and being around the animals.  In 1943, Ben showed a Grand Champion Black Agnus calf at the Colorado State Fair.

After graduating high school, Ben joined the United States Army. Ben was a World War II veteran serving from September 1944 – November 1946.  He left the Army as a Tec 4 and was stationed in the Philippines.  In 2011, Ben received a Congressional Gold Medal to honor Japanese Americans who fought in World War II.

After the war, Ben returned to Denver and received his Bachelor’s degree from Denver University. This is where he met his wife, Madge Tomoyasu.  The couple married on June 11, 1954.  They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family and friends.

Ben worked for over 40 years as a Chemist with various mills in the Denver area.  He retired from Conagra in 1989.

Ben enjoyed his yard and garden.  In the spring and summer, you would find Ben outside working his yard and growing vegetables and fruit for his family.  In fact, his garden was so large, that he gave a lot away to family, friends and neighbors.  Ben was also an avid Denver Broncos fan.  When he didn’t go to the game, he was at home rooting for them on the TV.  Ben enjoyed bowling.  He bowled on many teams over the years.  Madge was always there to support and cheer him on.

Most of all Ben and Madge loved to travel.  They went many places, but their favorite destination was Las Vegas.  They enjoyed going there to gamble and meet their friends and family from Hawaii.

Ben is survived by his daughter, Cheryl (Kevin) Lammers of Omaha, NE; son, Brian Ichikawa of Aurora, CO; grandson Brett (Jessica) Lammers of Litchfield, NE; great grandsons, Rex Lammers, Luke Lammers and Roper Lammers of Litchfield NE; sister-in-law, Elsie Takao of Honolulu, HI; honorary grandchildren; Bruna Pes and Nilson Nolasco of Altamonte Springs, FL; Rahja (Elizabeth) Porter and Akilah of Omaha, NE and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; wife Madge; sisters, Grace Masuda, Alice Ichikawa and Margaret Watada; brother Henry Ichikawa and great granddaughter, Kelsie Lammers.

Services will be on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Horan and McConaty Funeral Home at 11150 E Dartmouth Ave. Aurora, CO  80014 with a reception to follow.  A private burial will take place later at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.