Ben Boyd DeLong IX

Celebration of life will be Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris. No service, just come as you are. Private burial will be at a later date.

Ben DeLong IX passed away at his home on Monday, September 21, 2026. He was 50 years old.

Ben was born on July 7, 1976, to Ben "Skip" DeLong and Janet Hoernemann. He grew up on a farm near Cottonwood Lake.

He attended St John's Lutheran Church in Donnelly, MN, where he was baptized and confirmed. All of his K-12 education was at the Herman-Norcross High School. He enjoyed playing football for the Panthers and heading to Pizza Hut with friends after games. He also enjoyed his work study time working with Mark Oachs Construction.

He later graduated from Alexandria Tech and enjoyed carpentry and construction. As a talented Foreman for NorSon he built many beautiful homes and took pride in his many great accomplishments.

Amid the housing construction market halt in 2009, Ben returned to Herman. He was thrilled to find out the farm he grew up on was for sale. He purchased the home and spent his last 17 years loving the land, wildlife and his pets. He planted pumpkins for his nieces and hosted a snowmobile party or two. He also enjoyed sharing his love of deer hunting with them.

"Unc" had 4 nieces and loved them all - helping them make beautiful bird houses, lighting off a few fireworks at birthday parties, and taking them fishing and ice fishing.

Ben loved the outdoors. He was a man of great integrity, a quiet thinker and a man of sincere thoughtfulness. He also enjoyed gentle teasing and joking around.

He is preceded in death by his dad and grandparents. He is survived by his dog, Sheba; his mom; sisters Chrissy Oachs of Alexandria and Kim (Brent) Gulbrandson of Wendell; his beloved nieces - Mia, Emily, Avery and Ella; and his 9 month old great nephew, Judah.

His departing words echoed the way he chose to live life, "Be honest. Love each other, God and the land. Love your pets. Take care of nature."

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of the arrangements for Ben.