Ben Vorderbruggen
Benjamin Vorderbruggen, 82, passed away at Bagley Cornerstone Nursing and Rehab with his family by his side on Friday, October 3, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.
Please gather at the Bagley American Legion Auditorium for a Celebration of Life for Ben on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.
The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.
Ben was born to Nellie and Francis Vorderbruggen on February 13, 1943. He entered the world during a severe snowstorm, causing him to be born at home. Growing up, he attended Bagley Public School where he excelled in every sport he participated in football, basketball, and track. He was selected as Homecoming King in 1961, and Snow King of king of the Queen of Hearts. Ben graduated in 1962. It was at Bagley Public School that he met his future wife, Gloria Aasen. They were married on February 22, 1964. Ben and Gloria went on to have four children, Ben, Amy, Tara, and Tessa.
As a young man Ben built barns with his dad. He worked for Trans Alaskan Pipeline and enjoyed being self-employed throughout his working years. He was a logger, trucker, hog farmer, and in his later years he ran his meat processing shop- Ben’s Country Meats.
Ben took pleasure in raising big gardens, was a card shark, and was a master at grilling. He enjoyed having family over for huge meals where everyone was invited. He was an avid Minnesota sports fan. He never missed watching a Vikings or Twins game. Since Ben was such a dedicated Vikings fan, his name is engraved in the Legacy Ship outside of the Vikings stadium. He also loved hunting and fishing. He took pride in taking his young family on camping trips, where they spent a lot of time fishing. It brought him great joy to see his children and later his grandchildren also develop a love of hunting and fishing. Ben cherished making memories with his family at their timeshares in both Florida and Causeway in Nisswa.
Ben will be fondly remembered for the generosity he showed toward all. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Gloria. His sister Beatrice Lange.
His children, Benjamin Vorderbruggen (Kathy), Amy (Kurt) Ness, Tara (Tony) Erickson, and Tessa (Aaron) Schlosser. His grandchildren, Benjamin (Shauna) Vorderbruggen, Holly (Tim) Stock, Katie (Chris) Mole, Dakota Ness, Ashley (Isaac) Nauertz, Misty Dyrdahl, Alec, Dyrdahl, Aden (Callista) Erickson, Logan Erickson, and Greyson Schlosser. 14 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
He is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Nellie Vorderbruggen and siblings, Carol Woldmoe and Jerry Vorderbruggen.