Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Benjamin "Ben" Peterson
Benjamin "Ben" Charles Peterson, 33, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, August 16, 2026, due to a cardiac-related condition. His sudden passing has left an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, and a sorrow that words cannot fully express.
Born on December 13, 1992, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Ben was the beloved son of Terry Peterson and Elizabeth "Liz" (Raether) Arends. Raised among the beauty of the Black Hills, he developed an early love for nature, adventure, and discovery. Those qualities stayed with him throughout his life and shaped the man he became. Eventually, Ben made his home in Eau Claire, WI, where he worked as a Project Manager for Real Land Surveying. He took great pride in his work and earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike through his dedication, talent, integrity, and easygoing nature.
Ben was a truly good man. He possessed a rare kindness that made people feel welcome, valued, and cared for. With a gentle soul and a generous heart, he moved through life with genuine compassion and an unwavering love for family and friends. Gifted with remarkable mechanical ability from a young age, Ben could build, repair, and create with a skill that seemed to come naturally to him. Yet some of his greatest joys were found not in a workshop, but beneath open skies and along quiet trails. A true naturalist at heart, he found peace in the outdoors, often choosing long hikes, scenic drives, and quiet moments in nature over anything else.
Ben embraced life with enthusiasm and a joyful sense of adventure. Whether riding his motorcycles down an open road, exploring new destination, crafting leatherwork, or expanding his geo collection, he approached every experience with curiosity and wonder.
Above all else, Ben cherished the people he loved. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with family and friends. His beloved Labrador Retrievers, Red and Delta, were an especially important part of his life. More than pets, they were his loyal companions and constant shadows, accompanying him on hikes, road trips, and countless everyday adventures. He cared for them with extraordinary devotion equal to the people fortunate enough to be part of his life.
And then there were his hugs.
Ben's hugs were legendary. They were strong, sincere, and filled with warmth. They had a way of making you feel safe, understood, and deeply loved. Ben gave the kind of embrace that made everything seem okay, even if only for a moment. It is one of the countless gifts he leaves behind in the hearts of those who knew him.
Ben will be remembered for his warm smile, his amazing laugh, his adventurous spirit, his unwavering loyalty, and the quiet goodness; his life was marked with quite random acts of kindness done for the sake of service without recognition. Though his time here was far too short, his impact was profound. The love he gave so freely, the memories he created, and the lives he touched will continue to live on in those who carry him in their hearts.
Ben is deeply missed by his father and stepmother, Terry and Marivic Peterson of Mackinaw City, MI; his mother, Liz Arends of Sturgis, SD; his sisters, Samantha (Chris) Henson of Sweeny, TX, and Crystal (Dusty) Duprel of New York City, NY; his half-brother, Terry "TJ" Peterson Jr. of Mackinaw City, MI; his stepsister, Casey (Josh) Englin of Rapid City, SD; and his special friend, Jen Paulsrud of Eau Claire, WI. He is also lovingly remembered by many aunts, uncles, nephew, nieces, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Marlene Peterson and Leonard Sr. and Betty Raether; his stepfather, Don Arends; his half-sister, Peanut Peterson; and his beloved uncle, Billy Raether.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, WI.
