Benjamin "Ben" G. Hellwig

MADISON - Benjamin Glen Hellwig, 50, of Madison, Wis., passed away unexpectedly at his parents' home on March 18, 2026, of natural causes. Ben was born in South Bend, Ind., on March 11, 1976. He was baptized on March 28, 1976, at Peace Ev. Lutheran Church in Granger, Ind. He was confirmed in his faith on May 20, 1990, at Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran Church in Fair Plain, Mich. Ben attended Lutheran elementary schools in Milwaukee and Fair Plain, Michigan Lutheran High School in St. Joseph, Mich., Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, Wis., and graduated from Madison Memorial High School in 1996.

Ben is survived by his parents, Pastor Glen and Wendy Hellwig, Brooklyn, Wis.; his sisters, Heidi (Steve) Daley, South Haven, Mich., and Heather (Jonathan) Rovey, Sedona, Ariz., his brother, Joshua (Jill) Hellwig, Nazareth, Pa.; his nieces, Amy and Katie Daley and Abigail, Brooke and Charlotte Hellwig; and his nephew, Samuel Daley.

In his youth, Ben enjoyed playing baseball, riding his bike and reading. He had a paper route and sold sodas in the stands at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. He developed an interest in the Civil War in his early years which became lifelong. He attended a Civil War reenactment with his family annually for many years. He also enjoyed attending Breakfast on the Farm, Brat Fest, Fourth of July parades, Mallards games, and family reunions. He loved to eat out and take in a movie and popcorn especially with family. He worked for many years at Opportunities, Inc. on Madison's south side.

Ben never met a stranger and had many friends. He had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He looked forward to attending church every Sunday; he loved and was loved by many people there. One of Ben's pastors said that when he visited Ben, he often felt like he was being encouraged and strengthened by Ben instead of the other way around.

Ben will be remembered for his sense of humor, his pride in and love for his family, his quiet childlike faith in Jesus as his Savior and for his strength through the many major health challenges he had to endure, most recently the last 10 months battling colon cancer. His laughter and enthusiasm for even the small joys in life were gifts to everyone who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at RISEN SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5001 Holscher Road, McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Committal to follow at Graves cemetery, Town of Rutland.

Memorial donations may be made to Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Opportunities, Inc. (oppinc.com), or Lutheran Military Support Group (lutheranmilitary.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515