Bernard "Ben" Kaquatosh, age 78 of Shawano, began his journey to the spirit world on Saturday, January 16, 2021. Ben was born on August 9, 1942 to the late Joseph and Mildred (Fossum) Kaquatosh in Keshena. He graduated from Shawano High School in 1961 and went on to further his education by graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Ben began his career at JI Case and then Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point before being hired on as the Human Resources Director for the Menominee Tribe for 42 years. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Menominee Tribal Enterprises also on the Board for the College of Menominee Nation.  Ben went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. On November 30, 1967, Ben was united in marriage to Charlotte Hoffman in Stevens Point. She preceded him in death on May 17, 2018. Ben was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit where he taught religious education and served as a lector. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors by hunting and fishing, as well as reading and telling others stories. Ben loved his family dearly and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ben is survived by his son, Jon (Teresa) Kaquatosh of Oneida; grandchildren, Tyler, Austin, Ja'Cee, Jonny, Chris, Julien, Danielle, Cheyanne, and Avery; great-grandchildren, Wilder, Charlotte, Schuyler, Arya, and Gregory; and two sisters, Jeanette (Bob) Orheim of Wisconsin Rapids and Clara (Tom) Hartman of Antigo.

He is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; one sister, Barbara J. Tourtillott; and three brothers, Alfred, Clifford, and Eugene.

A funeral service for Ben will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with Deacon Tom Hartman officiating. Burial will be held in spring at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Neopit. The Veterans of the Menominee Nation will do a final salute on Tuesday at the Funeral Home at 1:10 pm. Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the funeral home from 10:00 am until the time of services. Due to COVID 19 masks will be requested.

Ben's family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the staff at The Cottages as well as the hospice nurse team from Heartland Hospice.