THE funeral of a popular and much-loved homeless man found dead in his room at a hostel is to be held later this month.
Ben Kreisler's funeral will take place at a church near his favourite spot - the steps outside Asda where several floral tributes and messages of condolence have been left.
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Mr Kreisler, believed to be from Pershore, had contact with St Paul's Hostel for at least 10 years and it was not the first time he had stayed there.
He was found dead in his room at St Paul's Hostel on Monday, May 23.
Mr Kreisler, believed to be from Pershore, had contact with St Paul's Hostel for at least 10 years and it was not the first time he had stayed there.
He was found dead in his room at St Paul's Hostel on Monday, May 23.
STORIES ABOUT BEN
Tributes pour in for Ben Kreisler
Ben Kreisler found dead in his room at St Paul's
The service will take place at Hope Church (the former granary building) in Lowesmoor, Worcester on Thursday, June 30 at 11.30am.
Hostel chief executive Jonathan Sutton said: "Jim Harper from the Hope Church is hosting the funeral. It's open to anyone who knew Ben to attend and pay their respects."
Mr Sutton has previously paid tribute to Mr Kreisler at the time of his death and praised his staff who battled to revive him.
The 36-year-old, who battled addiction, touched the lives of many people in the city who have described him not only as a 'character' but as a highly intelligent man with a sensitive and creative side who loved reading.
Mr Sutton said: "It was the longest stint where he did not return to sleeping on the streets of Worcester.
"His death is starting to hit home and the staff and other residents who built authentic relationships with Ben will feel it. They knew his idiosyncrasies.
"Yes, he could sometimes be awkward but these moments passed often with an apology.
"Staff knew his routine. They knew what food he liked (ribs and ice cream) and what food would make him grumble (everything except ribs and ice cream).
"They knew how to cheer him up and when to leave him alone, when to draw boundaries and when to be tolerant.
"There was a noticeable change in Ben as the spring arrived.
"He was taking much better care of himself, keeping his room tidy and telling us he wanted change for himself.
"I suppose we all had our fingers crossed that change was finally coming to Ben's life and he was finally thinking about turning that imaginary corner.
"Anyone who came into contact with Ben will have a memory.
"I will remember how animated he could be when talking about the latest book he had read, his theory about the origins of Covid and why having a Covid jab was 'a very bad idea, Jonathan' or admiring the work of Sir David Attenborough.
"He talked about becoming an architectural blacksmith and imagined, once free from addiction, how he would enjoy re-learning that art.
"I must use the opportunity to commend the two members of St Paul's staff who found Ben, began and sustained first aid until relieved by the first responders."
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