Benjamin Stephan

1965 - 2014

Benjamin Lee Stephan "Walks all night long", age 48, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, died unexpectantly on Friday, August 22, 2014, at Black River Falls Memorial Hospital. Benjamin was born on December 14, 1965 in Anchorage, Alaska to Seraphim "Slim" Stephan, Sr. and Selina Bradford Stephan. He grew up in Tyonek, Alaska and graduated from high school there. In 1985 he moved to Black River Falls. He would split his time between Black River Falls and Tyonek. Benjamin worked on the clean-up of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. He was employed by the Ho-Chunk Nations at the casino, working as a floor check, security guard and hard count. Benjamin enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, shooting pool and hanging with friends. He will always be remembered as the "Candyman" by his nieces. Benjamin is survived by his son, Bradford Lee (Janelle) Stephan of Tyonek, Alaska; his mother Selina Joshua of Black River Falls, Wisconsin; his father, Seraphim 'Slim" Stephan, Sr. of Anchorage, Alaska; three grandchildren, Donovan and Brianna Stephan and Kaleb Constantene. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, other family and friends. Benjamin was preceded in death by two brothers, Wesley "Dud" and Seraphim Stephan, Jr. "Boop"; one sister, Cindy Poss Pingle; grandparents, Benjamin and Ethelene Youngthunder and Terry and Alexandra Stephan. Traditional services will be 12:00 noon, Monday, August 25, 2014 at District One Community Center in rural Black River Falls. Daniel Youngthunder, Sr. will be officiating. Friends and family may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in Decorah Cemetery in rural Black River Falls. Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at buswellfuneralhome.com