Oh Ben - I have hesitated to write because it makes it so final but your life well lived here on earth is final. You are home with our Father in heaven. You have always been and will always be a blessing to your family and friends on earth, that is not final. Our memories of you will always be with us, that is not final. The impact you made on those you touched and helped here on earth will always be, that is not final either. You were such a go getter, you went after what you wanted. I will always be amazed by your tenacity and talent. You shared your talents with others, you went out of your comfort zone and shared Jesus' message and love with others in college (and Leah and Matt's wedding), you volunteered, you had compassion for the less fortunate. You brought such joy to your nephews and the kids that you tutored. Your nephews know that you are in heaven and are joyful for you. We pray that we can focus on our joy for you and not our sorrows like the littles can. We pray that memories of you will soon bring smiles rather than tears. Ben, we love you and miss you today on your 31st birthday and forever more.
1
The full video of Ben's memorial service, for those who were unable to attend.
2
I was so shocked to learn of Ben's passing. My heart goes out to all of you, and though it was so long ago, I remember Ben being such a smart and funny kid. Hearing all the stories of how he helped so many people is truly heartwarming.
1
I was just thinking if the person who received Ben's heart is ready for all the love and kindness that it will be sharing with them? They have no idea how blessed and lucky they are. It makes my heart happy!
2
My condolences to the O’Fallon family during this tragic loss.
Ben and I were friends a long time ago, as children and teens. We haven’t spoken in many years, but he left a lasting impression on me. Ben was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I ever had the pleasure to know. Hearing of his passing was so impactful - he had his whole future ahead of him. But I am overwhelmed by the spirit because Ben is 100% chilling with God now, and I’m so happy for him. Can’t wait to catch up with you one day.
4
Dear Leah and family,
I know many of the professors at Concordia, most of whom have now retired. And Shannon went to Concordia Academy High School, a feeder school for the University. I feel priviledged to be able to contribute to both the school and the scholarship in Ben's name. What a beautiful way to testify to who he was and to keep his memory alive. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to both.
I will continue to hold your family up in prayer.
Diane
2
Becky,
I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. May more smiles in remembrance replace your tears as you grieve. As part of your library family, know I'm thinking of you and your family.
1
What I've been saying about Ben is that he was unusually kind. Kind in a way that was very real and without expectation of anything in return. We were friends during PT school and mainly got to know each other over a shared interest in old video games. I remember saying early in the program that his patients were going to love him because he was already naturally gifted with the hands on skills but also his warm and friendly demeanor making us all feel comfortable when we were practicing together. I never heard much about his family in detail but when he spoke of you, I could tell you were a huge source of happiness in his life. All of us who knew him will miss his friendly and generous presence. I wish each of you many years of happy memories of the time you had with him. He will always be your son, your brother, your nephew, your uncle. I am so very sorry that this happened to you.
3
Andy and I were very moved by Maddie's and Leah's memorials to their brother, Ben. What a beautiful ceremony to honor such a wonderful person. We are so saddened by our cousin Becky's family's loss and so thankful for being allowed to share in the memories of their beloved Ben. We lost our dear sister, Brenda, in May 1998, when she was 24, so we know something of the pain you're going through. Know that the memories, both happy and sad, will live on and sustain you the rest of your life ❤️
3
Ben was one of my good friends in PT school.
He had introduced himself to me within the first week of class. I had been recovering from a bad cold at the time and still had a nasty cough. One day Ben just came up to me with a bag of cough drops and some oreos and said "I have heard you coughing pretty bad so I brought you some cough drops to hopefully help you feel better." I was so taken aback that someone could be so thoughtful without even knowing someone. Little did I know at the time, this was just who Ben was.
From that day on we frequently partnered up during labs and homework assignments. Ben would stay late to study with me or let me practice with him before practicals, often giving me words of encouragement that helped boost my confidence before a test.
I really don't know what I would have done without Ben during my three years of PT school. He was always sending memes during exam weeks or was there to listen when you failed a practical. I have never met someone like Ben, nor do I think I will ever meet someone like Ben again.
I am so sorry for your loss. The world is now a little darker without Ben in it. I feel so lucky that I got to know him over my 3 years in PT school and I find some comfort in knowing that he is with God in heaven.
I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
2
Linda Feldmeier
TRIA Physical Therapy at Park Nicollet Clinic Prior Lake, Park Nicollet Avenue Southeast, Prior Lake, MN, USA
I have to share this story because it makes me smile. During my PT visit I asked Ben how his Christmas was and he of course said it was amazing. He then told me about how he was so proud & excited because he always found it hard to buy for his dad. He went on to explain that during a conversation that his dad had mentioned playing chess so he said he knew then that was what he was going to get him. I then asked how his dad liked it and with that Ben grin he said welllll... I asked him what? He said well my sister must have heard the same conversation & she too got him a chess set. He then said in his Ben personality " Of course she had to out do me and get it engraved" he laughed and said oh well guess I have a chess set. We both laughed and I then gave him my advice as a mom. I told him we as parents really don't want gifts we just want to spend time with our kids. So take your parents out for coffee, drop by and spend time with them because that is the most special gift. He listened intently and then smiled and said well I sure can do that! He said thanks Boss! I hope this brings a smile to your face.. He loved all of you so very much!
2
To the O'Fallon family thank you so much for sharing your Ben with me. I had 4 months getting to know Ben and I am so very grateful he came into my life..In that short time I found what a special young man he was. The day I heard he was gone broke my heart. I thought to myself today driving home if my heart hurts this much after knowing him for this short time I can NOT imagine the pain and hurt you as a family are feeling with all the love you shared for 30 years. . Leah & Maddie you honored your brother with so much love. Take all those memories and hold on to them let them help you through the next several months. I am so sorry I was unable to meet you and give you a big hug. To Bens parents it was an honor to meet you and let you know how special Ben was to me. To Jayci it was so nice to meet you. Ben spoke of you often & I know how much he cared for you. I pray that God wraps his arms around all of you and that it gives you comfort that Ben was loved by many. We all will see him again and that smile. Until that day I will remember him with love and thanks.
3
There are many people in our lives that can make us feel unimportant. Ben was never that person. All the time I spent with Ben in middle school/high school I never felt left out, insecure, or unimportant. He was a gracious person not just with the spaces he was in but with the time that he had. Grief is love that has nowhere else to go. We are unconditionally cared for by those who share our broken hearts. We have a God who suffers with us as we suffer. Lean into Him, lean into each other, let the grief you have for Ben find root in each other and bloom into love for each other.
3
I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. While I didn't know Ben well, I mourn with and for you. I was in small group with Ben back when we both went to Evergreen/Hometown and we became friends for a while. He talked often of his sisters and the memes and laughs you all would share with each other, and not only was it clear he was a lovely human with a good sense of humor, I could see how much he really truly valued his family. What a beautiful service today to celebrate who he is. I'm just so sorry it was so soon.
2
I was never able to meet Ben, but I do have a story about him.
My wife(Zoey Stewart) was close with Ben in PT school.
At the peak of Covid, the gym shutdowns were taking a large toll on our mental health. There was no ability to order weights/workout equipment given the supply chain issues.
Zoey mentioned her frustrations(in addition to mine) in passing to Ben.
One day Zoey gets back from school and asks me to help bring things from her car. Ben had lent us his premium bow flex adjustable weights that went up to 50 pounds. (People were selling these for several hundred plus dollars at the time, if they were in stock in the first place)
I honestly couldn’t believe it and thought we should give them back to Ben, because if you have these kinds of weights in the first place you probably really care about working out.
It was just a completely selfless thing Ben did for us. Luckily the gyms gradually started opening up not too long after, and we returned the weights to Ben, but I still think about how unbelievably thoughtful and kind it was to begin with.
I wish I could have thanked him in person
4
I am very sorry for your loss. I had not seen Ben in many years but I remember him being a kind, decent, and soft-spoken gentleman. My heart goes out to the O’Fallon family and my thoughts are with you. You are a family that exemplifies the warmth and goodness that we should all strive to be.
3
Ben was always such a great guy, he loved to game, and watch MST3K with us. I am at a loss for words to hear of this tragic loss. My deepest condolences from both me and my family to you all.
1
May you forever roll nat 20s.
0
Share with others
Donate in memory
