Ben Koebrich

Benjamin William Koebrich, deeply loved, forever missed, unexpectedly passed away on Apr. 18, 2023, at the age of 44. His quiet strength, unwavering kindness, remarkable intellect, and dedication to those in his life, will forever be remembered by his loving family, close friends and the many that he touched.

Born on Oct. 21, 1978, Ben was a curious and happy child with white-blond hair, a trait he kept and was known for until junior high. He played youth sports and enjoyed swimming, fishing, riding bicycles, skiing and watching the Denver Broncos, especially when they won. Once video games became popular, he was an early adopter of the technology. He loved “beating the game,” perhaps an early indication of his knack for computers. He was always up for the challenge of eating the entire pizza at Pizza Hut and watching the cliff divers at Casa Bonita, which later became a running family joke that the place burned down (so we didn’t have to go there).

From a young age, Ben was always surrounded by a group of close and loyal friends, many of whom he maintained relationships with throughout his life. He attended Dry Creek Elementary School where he participated in Cub Scouts and developed his life-long love of camping. He spent many years with his beloved 1999 Jeep Wrangler four-wheeling, climbing, and camping in Moab.

Ben excelled in school, and his exceptional intellect was matched only by his humility as he never complained, and he rarely sought recognition for his achievements. Ben graduated at the top of his class at Cherry Creek High School in 1997, and then Cum Laude from the Business School at Colorado State University in 2001.

Ben’s proficiency in five computer languages helped him to develop a niche career in “dev ops” as a software engineer. He used his skills to create innovative solutions that improved the lives of many customers starting with his first job as an intern at US WEST to his final position at Swisslog in Broomfield, CO. His colleagues respected his ability to solve complex problems and his passion and willingness to put in the time needed to get the job done.

Ben's life was generally quiet and simple. His friends of 20 years acknowledge they never had even one disagreement with him, a testament to his easy-going personality and his ability to “keep the peace”. His caring spirit extended to his entire group, and they always rallied around him with support, especially when times were hard.

Ben loved great food and exotic travel. He always dreamed of living on a beach and was happiest when he traveled to remote tropical locations. He rode roller coasters and water slides with his nephews and niece and danced at family weddings. He enjoyed spending holidays with his family, going to the movies and eating dinner out. His devotion to his parents was unwavering.

Ben is survived by his loving and heartbroken family. They include his mother and father, Mark and Cathy Koebrich, his sister, Nicole (Koebrich) Johansson, brother-in-law, Jamie Johansson, nephews Jack and Luke Johansson and niece Katelyn Johansson. He is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him. Preceding Ben in death are his grandparents Stan and Reva Omahen, Edward and Winona Koebrich, and his uncle, Jerry Omahen.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to help give another family hope. Please make a donation to fund a child's wish through the Make A Wish Foundation, Colorado Local (see the QR code above for the link or click here ).