"I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you a big hug Patty J. Miss working with you. "
In loving memory of
Benjamin C. Johnson
April 21, 1995 - July 29, 2020
Funeral services for Benjamin"Ben"Charles Johnson, 25, of Zumbro Falls, MN will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, MN. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester.
Benjamin was born on April 21, 1995 in Rochester to Patrick and Kathy (Austin) Johnson. He passed away on July 29, 2020 at his home. He graduated from Byron High School in 2013. Ben found passion in music and making people smile. He knew what it was like to feel alone and was always there for anyone who needed him. He was a big teddy bear with a heart like no other. Ben loved kids. He worked as a teachers aide at Discover Magical Moments Daycare Center. His happiness came through the eyes of the innocent children. He was an avid reader, song writer and loved shooting and BBQing with his family. Ben's favorite pastime was just hanging out with his little brother and sister.
Survivors include his mother, Kathy (Brad) Akerson of Oronoco, MN; and his father, Patrick (Alaina) Johnson of Zumbro Falls, MN; siblings, Isaac (Abigayle) Johnson, of Marion; Eli Johnson of Marion, MN; Andrew Krause, Ambriel and Kale Johnson, all of Zumbro Falls; Cody Akerson, of Grand Forks; Blaine and Jesse Akerson of Oronoco, MN. His grandparents, Jim and Carol Shipman, of Byron, and Dennis and Candice Sprenger of Zumbrota; Marlen and Nancy Akerson, of Oronoco; Great Grandma, Allene Shipman, of Rochester. Ben had many special aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Chuck and Dianna Johnson; Vern Austin (maternal grandfather); and Richard Shipman, great grandpa.
Memorials can be directed to the family.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is assisting with arrangements. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Kathy and Brad, We know there are no words to ease the pain that you both are feeling. Believe us , we know. Please accept our condolences on your huge lost and know that we are thinking of both of you and your family. Carol and Gary Landon"
"PJ, Sending sincere and deepest sympathy to you and your family. "
"Patrick and family: Deepest sympathy on this tragic loss. Can't imagine how tough this is on all of you. Bruce Fossum "
"Life is precious. Ben will not be forgotten. Perhaps each of us can move forward by sharing a bit of Ben?s smile and kindness in our interactions with others. Sending positive energy to Ben?s family and friends. "
"Ben, we have known you since you and Willie became besties in Elementary School. We had so many great memories: sleepovers, making messes in the kitchen, campfires, staying up late talking and of course, you and Willie annoying me since I was the ?older boring sister?, you both thought you were so funny! You were like mine and Willies ?Big? little brother (you were always way taller than bother of us). We always looked up to you - literally and figuratively!! Thank you for always being there for all of us, all the time. We love you Big Ben ?? Jeff, Mary, Alli, Willie and Savanna"
"P.J. and Family, extending our deepest sympathy to you during this time. Our prayers and blessings are with you. Paula and Andy Abrams"
"Went to school with Ben and will always remember how easily he could get me to laugh or smile. Especially messing around with him and Willy in choir. I hope I never forget his amazing smile. Thinking and praying for your family."
"My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My prayers to you. Jenell "
"Our 3 children were so blessed to have known Ben. They absolutely adored him. He will be missed! Thoughts and prayers with your entire family during this difficult time. "
"I remember his strong connection and love for his grandpa Chuck and grandma Diane. My heart breaks for your loss. Know that Aunt Cathy and his cousins feel this loss with you."
"PJ, thinking of you with deepest and sincere sympathy to you and your family, Deb"
"So sorry to hear that Ben has passed... he always had a big smile for the children at Discover Magical Moments & was so good with them. He will be missed. "
"Ben was my granddaughter?s favorite teacher at her day care. She talked about Ben all the time and had to give him a hug every time she saw him. He had a gentle spirit and a warm smile. I am sad to hear of his passing. He will surely be missed. "
"Aiden adored Benny. He was always so great with him and was so understanding, I was so thankful to have him with Aiden throughout the day. Aiden always is talking about him and telling me that he'll get big just like Benny! Aiden's Abuela died this year and he was always so loving with Aiden, giving him extra hugs when he needed them. He will be missed dearly. I'm thinking of you and your family during this time."
"He was our dear, sweet Gentle Ben."
"My son goes to the center where he worked. He always liked it when Ben would come to his room to "play". I too saw this in person as I picked up my boy one day. The minute he entered the room, the kids would smile and exclaim "Ben!!" and they would flock to him. He made a difference and he will be missed. Deepest sympathies to his family. "
"I lived in Oronoco for some time and always saw Ben at Gas n Go! The more I want there the more I saw him and we began to know each other. He was always such a nice guy and I remember him always talking about some cleaning business he did as well. He was such a nice down to earth dude and deserved it all. RIP Ben, you?ll be missed buddy!"
"Ben was very encouraging to me when my sister and his Grandma died. He was hurting and missed his Grandma but always took the time to say loving and kind words to me. I will miss Ben very much. love you guys and so sorry for your loss. "
"We are holding all of you close to our hearts, both in our thoughts and in our prayers. Bless your wonderful memories and stories of Ben even as you grieve this indescribable loss. Darin & Bradley"
"I remember when me and Ben would joke around in the morning at the daycare and we would always be there for each other when we where down and needed to talk he will always be in my heart Rest In Peace Ben we will miss you "
"PJ & Family, I know there isn?t anything I can say to take away the pain. You are all in my thoughts and prayer. Flo"
"Ben had the same sweet smile as an adult as he had as a little boy. I never heard him say an unkind word. What brings me comfort is that every single time I saw him, talked to him, texted, messaged, whatever, he always ended with "I love you Grandma". If you can learn something from Ben, it should be that you can never say I love you too much. Say if often and think of Ben. "
"Pat, Alaina, Ambriel, and family Met Ben when teaching Ambrieles Sunday School class for the first time. What a gracious and kind young man. So sorry for you all. May the Lord Bless and Keep you through these next years, and days. We will have you in our prayers. Steve and Marcia Matthees"
"Ben was wonderful with our children at daycare. They just loved him. He was jovial, kind, big hearted, full of love and laughter for our children and they adored him. I?m so terribly sorry for your family. "
"Sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking. Thoughts and prayers to friends and family during this very difficult time. John Austinson"
"OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL WHO KNEW AND LOVED BEN, WES, LONI, AND JORGAN."
"I will never forget the poetry he would put into his music. His words were a picture of how strong his heart was. We love you big Ben. "
"I have such wonderful memories of Ben as a 5th grader. He could brighten everyone?s day with his smile and his laugh. He had such an amazing heart for others, and I am incredibly sorry for your loss. Love and hugs to your family!"
"I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Ben. He was a sweet and unforgettable student. Thoughts to his family and friends during this difficult time. Tara Dunken"
"On behalf of the Radke Family and the Byron High School Family, our thoughts are with all of Bens Family. He was such a fun kid. I have many fond memories of him in school. He will be greatly missed. Ryan Radke"
"Sorry for your loss. Ben was a very fun student to have in class. Great smile. He always hooked me up at Papa Murphys. Larry and Emily Franck"
"My most sincere condolences to the entire family! You are in my prayers.
The Oberle family"
"My heart goes out to the whole family, it's never easy to bury a beautiful soul. He was indeed an amazing person he touched everyone he met, I'll never forget the friendship I had with him and I'll carry it with me till we meet again to continue the fun and laughter. I love you Ben, rest easy now. "
"thoughts and prayers going out to the entire family. Ben was such a beautiful, kind and loving soul. He is dearly missed and loved by many... rest in peace my beloved friend. I'll see you when i get there and please watch over your family and friends.. "
"All my love to Ben's entire family on the loss of this precious son."