Benjamin Philips, age 42, of Apple Valley, MN passed away January 21st, 2023 as the result of a snowmobile accident in Hayward, Wisconsin. Benjamin was a beloved husband to Autumn, devoted father to Rohan (8) and Baylor (5).  He not only leaves behind a grieving family but also leaves behind so many other lives that he had touched in unique and positive ways through his positions within his professional community, his running community across the nation, his church at Bethel's Rock, his wrestling and coaching community through Rosemont Wrestling and all the friendships he formed and kept throughout his life.  Born in Rochester, Michigan on July 2, 1980 and a native of Lake Orion, Michigan. Benjamin spent his childhood outdoors riding his bikes, snowboarding, fishing with his dad and grandmothers in the woods of Northern Michigan and as a state qualifying wrestler for the Lake Orion high school team. Benjamin found his way out west to Denver, Colorado where he began what would grow into a successful career in the mortgage industry. He enjoyed meeting new clients daily with his most memorable and favorite meeting being the day his future wife walked into the bank looking for assistance. That meeting would start a beautiful love story filled with mountain bike adventures, brewery tastings and spontaneous dancing. Benjamin and Autumn were married on June 15th, 2013 in the mountains of Colorado and began the greatest adventure of their lives. They were overjoyed with the birth of their first son, Rohan, in November of 2014 and then their second son, Baylor in February of 2017. Between those celebrations, they made a move from Colorado to Minnesota when Benjamin received an opportunity to run a branch for Wells Fargo. In this new role, Benjamin found his true passion, coaching and mentoring others to achieve their highest potential and he continued this in his move to his most current position with US Bank. While Benjamin was a professional, he was not defined by his job and made it a point not to define others by what they did but by what they loved. He never asked what a person did for a living, but asked what hobbies they enjoyed. Benjamin was also learning how to balance the sometimes stressful demands of work with the things that brought him rest and joy in life and on Benjamin's birthday of 2021, Autumn and Benjamin closed on a cabin in Hayward, Wisconsin. This would become a place of peace and absolute joy for Benjamin, his family and his loved ones to connect with each other. It is here he would teach his sons to fish, take the family on off road adventures, explore the lake from the driver's seat of the boat, hike the woods and sit around a fire sharing life with those he loved. His last moments on earth were being where he loved and doing something he loved; snowmobiling with friends.

Benjamin was a life connector, leader and motivator. He could motivate in a way like no other whether it be turning a barely producing branch into one of the top branches in a company or turning a non-runner into a passionate runner for life. If you were blessed with having Benjamin in your circle, he motivated you in a way that only Benjamin could. Whether you agreed with Benjamin or not, you knew he believed in and fought for what he stood for and he was respected for that. Benjamin did everything beyond 100% since he was a child and it showed in the success he achieved throughout his life. Benjamin did not just become a "runner" but trained and accomplished being an elite 50 mile endurance runner.  Benjamin did not just "go to work" but put his experience, motivational skills and drive into creating successful teams. Benjamin did not just "put his sons into wrestling" but took on a coaching position to train and motivate adults and children alike in the sport.

Finally and most importantly, Benjamin was a Christ Follower and he loved God with that same passion his life was filled with. He leaned on God to help guide him on the right path and trusted in His absolute love and forgiveness when he strayed. Benjamin, like all of us, was not perfect but he was perfectly loved by a Father who holds him now in eternal life.   John 3:16

Benjamin is survived by his loving wife of 10 years Autumn; sons Rohan and Baylor; father Christopher; mother Sherrie; sisters Maria, Christin and Anthia (Dean); brother Chris(Theresa); Grandmother Barb; many Aunts and Uncles; as well as Autumn's family.