Ben Joseph Erickson
July 16, 1997 - December 27, 2019
Obituary
STOUGHTON - Ben Joseph Erickson, age 22, of Stoughton, passed away on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born on July 16, 1997, in Madison, the son of Jay and Cheryl (Moe) Erickson. Ben graduated from Stoughton High School in 2015.
He was a proud member of UA Local 601 and for the past four years, a dedicated steamfitter apprentice at General Heating & Air Conditioning. Ben’s work was his passion. He knew that it took hard work to get what you wanted in life. Ben was a simple man; one of kind. He loved to make people laugh, was an “old soul” and always had something clever to say. He was a denim-on-denim kind of guy. He loved all things outdoors, grilling, cooking and spending time at “the shop”. Above all else, Ben had a heart of gold. He was a kind, humble and strong person. Ben was the type of man who would do anything for anyone; he’d give the shirt off his back. Ben loved his family and adored his niece, Mara. He valued each moment spent playing with her. Ben and his Grandpa Joe had a special bond and will always be known as his grandpa’s “little buddy.” He lived his life fully and was always ready to have a good time and even known to sing a little karaoke. Ben was proud of his many accomplishments, especially his welding, earning a UA60 Certification in his first year of his apprenticeship. Ben touched so many lives and will be deeply missed by his family and countless friends.
Ben is survived by his parents; sister, Brooke Erickson; grandparents, Joseph Erickson and Don and Carol Moe; niece, Mara Erickson and another soon-to-be-born niece that he was looking forward to meeting; uncle, Todd (Jami) Moe; aunt, Lori (Steve) Kittelson; many cousins; and his loyal dog, Jake. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Beverly Erickson; and his uncle, Joey Erickson.
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at the AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 59, 803 N. Page St., Stoughton, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ben’s family.
A special thank you to first-responders, Stoughton Fire Department and EMS, Dane County Police, Med Flight and UW Hospital and Clinics. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Forever in our hearts, Ben Joseph. Keep givin’er for us.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Hwy. 51 N. at Jackson Street
(608) 873-4590
Events
Celebration of Life
Sat Jan 25, 2020 @ 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
American Legion Post 59 • 803 North Page St., Stoughton, WI 53589
Photos
No photos of Ben have been shared yet.
Memories
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Mike Thornton
Other •
First and foremost, I would like to let the Erickson family know that they are in my thoughts. I didn't interact with Ben that much, but the times that I did interact with him he seemed like an absolutely awesome person. He was never disrespectful to me, he was always nice. I was shocked when I read that he passed away. Ben was a great person, and he was taken from his family to soon. Rest in peace Ben. - Michael Thornton
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Angie Hjortland
Other •
Keeping your entire family in our hearts and prayers. Hoping beautiful memories of Ben help you heal during this time of deep sorrow. Randy Angie and Sam Hjortland
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Danielle Kuhl
Other •
Dear Brooke, My heart hurts just thinking about the pain that you and your family are going through. I simply cannot imagine what you are going through and I’m so sorry for such a significant loss. I I wish I had magic words or could take away your pain. All I can say is that your happy memories of him and sharing stories will help to eventually ease some of the pain and put a smile on your face. You and your family are in my prayers sweet Brooke. Blessings and much love, Danielle Kuhl
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Kelly Gildner
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"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4).
Hey Ben E. yes, you were Ben E. to us here at Gildner Ranch, well at least to me -so we /me- knew who we were talking about-as we too have a Ben here. Such a fine young man-yes you became so in stature and in soul, a fun-loving sort and certainly let all know you were a part of what was going on. Your family now is heartbroken and deeply mourning your absence - words may not be comfort enough-at least right now. Days like this were not planned for, nor wanted ... you still were needed here and expected to be here. Memories will not be kind-at least for now, but when they come to us all at the right time-they will be the hugs and feelings given to all of us to say "That was Ben" and why you were loved so dang much. So Ben E. you truly were a blessing to your family and friends ... thank-you for having been a part of our lives, however brief, it was beautiful. Kelly (Ben's Mom)
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Cindy King
Other •
My deepest condolences and sympathy to the whole family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Way too young to go. Just keep the memories and love that he brought to everyone.
Cindy King
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Louise Christopher
Other •
My heart is so heavy with the loss of this sweet and gentle man ! He will forever be missed by his entire family, especially by his parents and loving grandfather !
Ben was one of a kind, such a thoughtful and giving young man. Rest in peace Ben, My sincere condolencess to the family.