Ben King
March 24, 1972 - March 13, 2024
Benjamin “Ben” James King, age 51, of New Prague, Minnesota, died tragically on March 13, 2024, in a drowning accident while on vacation with his family in Puerto Rico. While his family and friends are shocked by his passing, they are thankful for his life.
Ben was born on March 24, 1972, in Milwaukee, the son of Tom and Chris King. He graduated from Madison Memorial High School (Madison, WI) in 1990. In 1995, he earned his political science degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison; in 1999, his Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law; and in 2000, his Master of Business Administration from St. Thomas University.
His professional career, following law and business school, started at BF Goodrich Aerospace, moving on to law clerking for Judge Timothy McManus, followed by working as an associate attorney at Gavin, Olson, Savre & Winters, to practicing over 15 years at Christian, Keogh, Moran & King as an Assistant County Attorney for Le Sueur County, as well as representing numerous private clients. Most recently, Ben served as an Assistant Public Defender, Minnesota Board of Public Defense, First Judicial District. Ben was well respected within the legal community where he will be remembered for his professionalism, passion for the law, intelligence, humor, fairness, compassion for his clients, and hard work.
Ben’s youth consisted of moving from Milwaukee to Green Bay, and finally to Madison, Wisconsin. The middle of two siblings, he was a fantastic and protective big brother to his younger sister, Allison, and a treasured playmate to his older brother, Jeff, as well as with his Dad - name the sport, they all played it together.
While in Madison, Ben started numerous friendships with his classmates that continued to the present. These friendships were extremely important to him. He and his friends were in consistent contact via social media, but much more importantly, got together whenever possible - such as for sporting events, like for his beloved Packers and Badgers, fishing and camping trips, or for no good reason other than to catch-up - which impressively occurred often. Also in his youth, and certainly not influenced by his immediate family, he got the fishing bug. While in high school and college, he would take fishing trips with his friends, but also, he would just love to go out by himself to his beloved Fish Lake for lunker bass - and bring home fishing stories to his family, who generally did not know what he was talking about but they all knew and understood this was one of his favorite past times, he was hooked for life!
And talking, another of his talents! He could spin the yarn with the best of them. He loved to tell stories or share his experiences, but more inspiringly, he was more interested to learn of your experiences - but if your stories were not comprehensive enough for him, he could then take the lead and all of sudden a simple catch-up could extend to something much more involved - but nobody minded (most of the time!). He commonly would end these exchanges with a firm handshake or hug and kind words, leaving you with the feeling this connection was very important to him - and then subsequently to you too.
Ben shared a wonderful marriage of 23 years with his beloved wife, Colleen King (Goggins). Their bond was a testament to love, partnership, and mutual respect, and was evident to anyone who encountered the two of them together. While they shared a professional love in the practice of law, their true and amazing talents together are reflected in the raising of their fantastic children - Aidan and Molly - two beautiful, well-rounded, and grounded young adults.
Ben’s life is marked by his profound love for his family, whether it was coaching for Aidan or Molly’s sports teams, being involved in their youth activities or cheering on the New Prague Trojans. Most important to him was investing his time and talents to be the best dad ever - always present, always engaged, always so proud of their accomplishments and who they are growing up to be.
Ben's affection for outdoorsmanship continued into adulthood. He cherished his time on the water fishing, scouring the woods for deer, or, along with his well-trained dogs, searching the prairies for pheasants. He enjoyed the pursuit of game, but his true joy was the companionship with friends and family after the pursuit- in particular with Aidan, and Pat and Bob Goggins. Annual hunting trips to South Dakota with the boys was one of his favorite traditions. He would always be counting down the days until pheasant season opened. Accommodations were primitive, conditions could be cold, but the way he described these trips made everyone around them wonder, why don’t I try pheasant hunting in South Dakota?
Ben had a knack for creating and maintaining friendships. He moved to the New Prague area knowing few people. He leaves us now with countless “locals” who adored him and treasured the times they would have together. Ben once noted at a March Madness gathering in New Prague that he was astounded by the fact that so many people here had nicknames. He said that where he was from, in Madison, Wisconsin, people were simply called by their name. A particularly astute New Prague man (aren’t they all?) solved that problem for Ben. From that day forward he was known as Sling Dog in these parts by many. The local community is heart broken that he is gone and will miss him immensely.
Ben is survived by wife, Colleen King; son, Aidan King; daughter, Molly King; parents, Tom and Chris King; brother, Jeff (Lisa) King; sister, Allison (Mike) Swartz; mother-in-law, Joan Goggins; brother-in-law Patrick (Rita) Goggins; nieces, Emma, Hana, Lauren, and Charlotte; and nephews, Noah, Hugh, Sam, and Bobby. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Bob Goggins.
Ben’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the love he shared with those around him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the honor of crossing paths with him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 22, 2024, at 12:30 PM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague with Father Kevin Clinton and Father Tom Walker officiating. Mass will be live streamed on npcatholic.org. Visitation will take place on Thursday from 4-7 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague. (There will be no visitation on Friday morning.) Family burial will occur at St. Catherine Cemetery in Spring Lake Township followed by lunch at Ridges of Sand Creek Golf Course.
I never met Ben, but I had the privilege of working with Chris, so I know he must have been a wonderful man! One who is so well loved will be deeply missed. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Dear Chris and family,
My deepest condolences for the tragic and untimely loss of your beloved son. My heart goes out to you.
Your friend and longtime colleague,
Laurie Werth
Dear Colleen, Aiden, Molly and Family so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you. I watched the funeral online. Even though I don’t know your dad he sounds like he was a great loving dad! Aiden and Molly great tribute to your dad, also I lost my dad the same year I graduated from high school so I will give you guys a hug from Colorado! Love Josh
Craig & Vi Regalia
Dear Colleen, Aidan, Molly and family.
Our sincere condolences to you. We were saddened to hear about Ben. It came as a surprise. Our heart goes out to you. Ben was a wonderful man and always had a smile. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Craig & Vi
Ben was my lawyer and helped me so much during a very difficult time. A heart breaking loss to you and the whole community. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.
My deepest sympathy to all of you! Ben sounds like a well rounded wonderful person.
I worked with Joan at Becklund Home Health Care and valued her contributions and stories of her family.
Colleen, Aidan, Molly and Family No words can fill the void and sorrow that’s left. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Its truly amazing how much of a positive impact Ben had on those he encountered. If you need anything, please let us know. Dan and Theresa
Colleen, Aidan, Molly and family, I wanted to express our deepest condolences, you have all been in our thoughts and prayers since that tragic day. I am sorry we couldn’t have done more for Ben. It was so heartbreaking to watch and not be able to do more. By all of the words expressed about Ben he sounds like an extraordinary man, husband, dad, son, brother and friend. Aidan and Molly your tributes were beautiful. It was a beautiful service for a special man. You will continue to be in our prayers and thoughts for sometime. If we can do… Read more »
Colleen and family,
I wish to send you my very deepest condolences on this devastating loss. What an absolutely amazing man he was. You have an army of support around you to help carry you through these days. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Colleen I’m holding you and your beautiful family in my thoughts and prayers. The tribute was most beautiful.
Colleen, Aidan and Molly,
We are so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and the days ahead.
My heartfelt condolences to the King family. Words cannot express the sadness that is felt at the loss of Ben. He was an excellent attorney who was kind and thoughtful in an adversarial system, which speaks volumes as to the wonderful person he was. Judge King, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers – I am so sorry for your loss.
Ben was my brother’s high school friend from the neighborhood. He was kind and funny and an excellent dancer, which he proved at my wedding. I am so sorry he is gone. It is impossible to imagine. Thinking of you all.
Judge King and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ben was a great and fair attorney and a kind human. It was a pleasure to work with him. Your family is in my prayers.
Colleen and family: I am so, so very sorry for your tragic loss. Ben had a palpable love in him that he shared with everyone. You have my love and deepest sympathies.
The Sisters of Saint Benedict’s Monastery are holding you, Colleen, Aidan and Molly in our hearts and prayers as you grieve the tragic and unexpected loss of Ben, husband, father, friend and multi-talented and vital member of the New Prague community, a community we love and were a part of for many years. There are no words equal to your loss. We are so sorry. We carry you tenderly. Sister Katherine Kraft, OSB for the Sisters of Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, MN
Thoughts and Prayers from all of us at Cleveland Police Department.
Colleen and family: I’m so very sorry for your loss. Ben was such a good person. He will be missed by so many. Love and prayers to you all.
My heartfelt sadness for all of Ben’s beloved family. May you feel comfort and joy of remembering the life of this loving, intelligent, kind man who set a high mark for integrity, character and sense of humor. May you feel the strength & love of God holding you in the palm of His hand.
Colleen, Aiden, Molly & Family,
As is shown by the many statements before me, Ben really was “one of the good ones” He was always a friendly face in the crowd and such a gentle soul! There are no words to describe this nightmare. Please know how much we all loved him and will miss him! Many thoughts, prayers and much love to you all!
Ben, was one of the nicest, high character friends from high school. My deepest condolences.
Judge King and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
Ana, Andrew, Carlos, and Paul.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy during this time of profound sadness.
I will always remember Ben for his kindness, loving nature, sense of humor, and above all his Gentle Soul.
This is who he has been as a young child and now described the same by his loving family, relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbors, confidants and so many others.
There will always be that profound sense that someone, some Gentle Soul,
Benjamin, is missing…and many signs that,
“I’m always there with you “
Judge King and Family,
I am so sorry to hear what happened. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. My condolences go to you and your family, and please know if you need anything we are all always here for you.
Colleen and family,
We are so sorry to hear of this tremendous loss. The world is a slightly lesser place without Ben. God be with you and your family during this difficult time. Please let us know if you need anything.
Colleen and family,
Thinking of you during this sudden transition. Love and prayers for peace and joyful memories at those times that you need them most
Colleen and family. My deepest sympathy. I so enjoyed working with Ben at the Court House. He was always such a kind man. My prayers are with you.
I was fortunate to be a law school classmate of Ben’s, and we also lived in the same apartment building our first year. Ben was always friendly and outgoing, and we shared a love for the Packers and Beverly Hills 90210. I will never forget him carrying my books home from school for me because they were heavy and I had hurt my back. That’s the kind of guy he was.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I am so sad for your loss! You and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers
I. too was very saddened to hear of the death of your husband, Ben. His moving obituary describes a man it was an honor to know and love. Colleen, you and your family have my condolences. Ben will be deeply missed
Colleen, I was so saddened to hear of your husband’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. He will clearly be missed by many.
Dear Judge King and family, I was incredibly shocked and saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. I had only known him for a few short months working in the Public Defenders Office, but he always had a happy and friendly demeanor around the office that made others smile. I offer your entire family my prayers and condolences during this difficult and heartbreaking time.
Colleen and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Although I never got to know Ben, it sounds like he made his mark in the world as a wonderful son, brother, husband, friend and father to two wonderful children to be proud of. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayer during this sad and difficult time.
We are very sorry to hear about Ben‘s tragic accident. We enjoyed every encounter we had with him. It was clear he loved his family, including the Goggins clan. A conversation with him always left us with the feeling that he was genuinely a good guy. Our hearts go out to you Colleen as well as Aiden, Molly, Joan, Patrick and Rita.
Colleen and family, I am so saddened to hear of Ben’s sudden passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family as you navigate through the difficult days ahead. May you find peace and comfort surrounded by family and friends during this time of such great loss. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Colleen, Aidan, and Molly we lift your family up in prayer to give you strength during this extremely difficult time. We were devastated to hear the news of Ben’s passing. It was an honor to be able to coach baseball alongside Ben, memories that will always be treasured. He was a great coach and even better person that truly cared about those around him. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all who knew and cherished Ben.
Colleen and family, I am so sorry to hear about Ben’s passing. He will be deeply missed. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Judge King, Molly and Aidan,
My heart is so broken for all of you! Ben was our law clerk when I was a court reporter with Judge McManus. He was always so professional, nice and kept us laughing. I will be praying for you and your whole family for peace, comfort and healing. You will always be surrounded by family and friends that love you all so much. I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you!
We were in PR at the time and one of my sons and cousin met Ben on the beach and had a good conversation him. So sad, said he was a real cool guy.
Thinking of you all and wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
What a beautiful tribute!!It helps complete the Ben I first met when he was clerking for Judge McManus and then the hundreds of courtroom appearances over the past 25 years. I adored Ben as did everyone.Always prepared,always laid back,unfailingly kind and professional and always a smile.The highlight of my career was the summer I spent in Le Center and the honor of having Ben in the courtroom every day—oh gosh!!–the fun we had.Colleen, you and all your families are in my heart these days as you struggle through an unimaginable loss.We are with you.Sending love and prayers
Martha
Colleen and family – I wish there were words to help you as you go through this extremely sad and tragic experience. Ben was one of the good guys. He had a great, but far too short life, and I know you are heartbroken. Know that many of us are with you. Sending my prayers and support to you and your family.
Colleen & Family, as part of the New Prague community, we want you to know we are devastated to hear of this tragedy that your family has endured. We have been thinking and praying for you as a family and we grieve for those in our community and beyond, who love Ben and your family so deeply. Please know that those of us who didn’t personally know Ben well, mourn with you and all who loved him. We sincerely send our deepest sympathy to you all and will continue to pray for and think of you as you navigate this… Read more »
Colleen and family – I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. I have been thinking of you and your family everyday. Please let us know if you need anything at all!
I am a public defender in St. Paul. My condolences to the King family and all of Ben’s colleagues in the First District. I am very sorry for your loss.
Colleen, Aiden, Molly, and the Goggins-we, along with our family, and prayer partners, have been praying for you. Our hearts were broken to hear of Ben’s death and we mourn and are grieved in this loss. We feel so blessed to have known Ben.
Judge King,
My heart has been aching for you, Molly and Aidan. You 3 have been and will continue to be in my prayers. He will always be with you guys, watching over you and will be waiting for you guys when it’s your time to reunite. I am always here if you need anything at all. Thinking of you.
Love, Molly
Our hearts are broken for you Colleen, Aidan, and Molly. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Wrap yourselves in the wonderful memories you have of Ben and know that he will always be with you.
So sorry for your loss, Colleen, and Aidan and Molly. May you know that our prayers and support are surrounding you. . .
I am here to help in any way I can. . .
Kari and Greg Opsal
So deeply sorry for the loss that the King/Goggins family, and countless others have suffered with the loss of Ben. Our condolence and prayers are with you.
Bob and Meg Carolan