Benjamin Michael Ramaeker, age 39, passed on December 6, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and enormous love from afar.
Ben grew up in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Though he lived in many different places, he spent the past 10 years in San Diego, California with his wife, Margaret (Stringer) and 3-month-old son, Everett William. Ben and Margaret were over the moon in love with their son Everett the second he was born. Becoming a dad was a dream come true for Ben and he was a great father every single day.
Ben did not hesitate to express his love, kindness, patience, and humor. He was a quiet leader, demonstrating genuine care for others. He felt it was important that people around him were acknowledged, respected, and heard. He lived with strength, courage, and compassion.
The outdoors was his spiritual home. He was an outdoor recreation professional and pursued similar activities in his leisure. He taught his students and friends to respect and value the outdoors so as to enjoy all it has to offer. Ben taught at the university level, worked in outdoor non-profit organizations and in outdoor outfitting. He was an involved, hands-on individual who engaged with others through leading adventure trips throughout the United States, camping, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing/kayaking, guiding, and fly fishing.
Ben also had a creative side, enjoying freestyle drawing, teaching himself to play his guitar, ukulele, and harmonica. A day did not go by when Ben did not sing—particularly to his wife and his son.
Ben was a conservationist of the land; a strong proponent of “leave no trace” and let nature be. Farm to table was evident in his life. He loved to garden, cook, and shop at farmer markets in San Diego, and places in his travels.
Ben enjoyed the sports world. Hockey was his first love since age 5, and he continued to play hockey throughout adulthood. He played many sports from his youth through college. He was proud to contribute to championship teams in both football and hockey at Menomonie High School.
Ben’s life and memory will continue to be a blessing to his wife of 10 years Margaret, son Everett, parents Mike & Janice Ramaeker, sister Alison (Ali) Ramaeker (Dave Callender), father-in-law Steve Stringer, in-laws Kathryn (Tom) Choy, Alexandra Stringer (Kurt Leblanc), Emma (Austin) Della, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and the “Wisconsin Guys.”
A Celebration of Ben’s life will be held in his hometown of Menomonie, WI on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Lucette’s at 1:00pm. All are welcome.
