Ben Boyd DeLong IX
Ben DeLong IX, age 50 of Herman, Minnesota, passed away Monday, September 21, 2026, at his home.
Celebration of life for Ben DeLong IX will be held Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
No service, just come as you are.
Private burial will be at a later date.
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 survived by his mom; sisters: Chrissy Oachs of Alexandria, MN, and Kim (Brent) Gulbrandson of Wendell, MN; his beloved nieces: Mia, Emily, Avery, and Ella; and his 9 month old great nephew: Judah; and his dog: Sheba.
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.”
Arrangements are with Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
