Ben Koens

Ben Koens, age 76 of Belle Fourche, died Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at the Rolling Hills Healthcare Center in Belle Fourche.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1pm Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Friends may leave written condolences online, and view a video tribute at: www.LeveringtonFH.com

Ben William Koens Jr. was born August 28, 1949 in Garretson, South Dakota. He was the son of Ben and Helen (Elston) Koens. In 1969, Ben graduated from the Washington High School in Sioux Falls. Afterwards, he attended the Police Academy, and that propelled him into a 27 year career in Law Enforcement. His career began in 1974 and he served in many capacities and with Law Enforcement Centers throughout South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. In 1970, he was united in marriage to Mary Hendren. In 2006 they moved to Western South Dakota. Ben loved his job, mostly because he loved helping people. For many years he worked with the DARE program, and received many awards . Ben retired in 2012 from Law Enforcement.

Ben enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing, and his time with family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

Ben is survived by his wife Mary of Belle Fourche; children, Jennifer (Doug) Parrow of Newell, Brian (Kristal) Koens of Groton SD, Julie (Cody) Swanson of Sioux Falls; Brent (Liz) Koens of Faulkton SD; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Sara Koens-Olson of Beresford SD; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Evelyn Emmert-Koens; sister, Sena McKenzie; brother, Edgar Koens; and 3 grandchildren.