Benjamin "Ben" Rohrer

Mr. Benjamin (Ben) Kindel Rohrer, age 47 of Roswell, Georgia passed away January 27, 2022 from the effects of Glioblastoma. He passed away comfortably and peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Ben was born and raised in Sparta, Michigan. A precocious child with a mind for logic, at 8 years old, in the fourth grade, he began taking mathematics and computer programming classes at Sparta middle and high school. Between the ages of 9-12 he attended Sparta High School and also moved between tutoring and attending City High School in Grand Rapids. He ultimately completed his senior year at Western High School after the family moved to Spring Arbor, Michigan graduating in May of 1989 at 14 years old. He went on to attend Spring Arbor College (now University), graduating in May of 1993. Immediately upon graduation from college, Ben began his career in public accounting with Rehman Robson in Jackson, Michigan and earned his licensure as a Certified Public Accountant in 1995. In 1996, Ben moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan and joined the regional accounting firm Plante Moran. In May of 1998, while working at Plante Moran, he and a group of co-workers took a road trip to the Music Midtown festival in Atlanta where he met his wife, Dhari. They immediately began dating long distance. During that time Ben began interviewing with KPMG, pursuing his career goal of working in a Big 5 accounting firm. He was hired by KPMG Chicago and joined their tax division in November of 1998 with Dhari moving to Chicago in the summer of 1999. They were married on January 13, 2001 and moved into their first home in Wrigleyville next to the "L" train. He was always happy to put in long hours at KPMG, but also thoroughly enjoyed exploring Chicago's sights and eateries and traveling with Dhari as often as he could. Growing tired of the cold winters in Chicago, Ben and Dhari sought a transfer with KPMG to a warmer climate. He accepted a position in the KPMG Atlanta office and they moved to Roswell, GA in September of 2003 where they grew deep roots and began growing their family.

They welcomed their first child Holden in 2004, then Sloane in 2006, and Brooke in 2009. He was a proud and loving father, always ensuring his family was well cared for. He had a soft spot for his babies, doting on them and growing into the role of a father and mentor. He made sure that they learned early on the importance of financial responsibility. By example, he also taught his children the importance of hard work, but more importantly, also the importance of relaxing and spending time with family and friends. He and Dhari shared two homes in Roswell. Their second home was lovingly restored together to be a place that put the family in the center and allowed hosting friends for lively gatherings. Ben poured his heart into KPMG, creating heartfelt and deep friendships with his co-workers, actively mentoring many of the junior associates throughout his time with the firm. He joined the partnership in 2009 and excelled in this role. Not only did he achieve professional success as a partner, but his role as friend and mentor is marked by many, many people being grateful to him for his positive impact on their careers.

Ben's life was marked by an exceptionally generous spirit and desire to give to his community. While working at his first position in Jackson, Michigan, he volunteered at AWARE—a shelter for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault—providing accounting services pro bono. He was also active with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, serving as a mentor to several at risk teenage boys throughout his time in Jackson and Grand Rapids. Upon his move to Chicago, and subsequent move to Atlanta, despite an increased workload, he still found time to volunteer, participating in and supporting events that KPMG sponsored, as well as several other community service organizations, notably Habitat for Humanity and Susan G. Komen relay for Life.

Ben was a notable collector of people: he cultivated close friendships with neighbors, poker buddies, his cross-fit family, and KPMG co-workers. He loved music and shared this love with Dhari and many friends. He spent his time enjoying these friendships and hobbies, dedicating his time to his work at KPMG and being a loving husband, father, son, and brother. His number one priority was always to provide for his family and care for others.

He was preceded in death by his mother Violet Kindel Rohrer.

Survivors include his wife: Dhari, his children Holden (17), Sloane (15), and Brooke (12). He is also survived by his father, John of Pierson, Michigan and his brother Andrew (Jennifer) and his children Grant (16) and Gabrielle (14) currently residing in Brussels, Belgium. Additionally, he is survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at The Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305 at 3:00 pm, Friday, February 4, 2022. Reception will follow at the Cathedral. The Cathedral of St. Philip respectfully requests that all attendees please wear face coverings.

A Bonfire "wake" will be held at the home on Saturday evening February 5, 2022 6pm - 10:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta, The Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation or the Rohrer Accounting Scholarship at Spring Arbor University.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Benjamin Rohrer.