Benjamin "Ben" Haring Obituary

Benjamin Charles Haring died unexpectedly on February 18, 2025, at his home in Rothschild, Wisconsin. Benjamin was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin on February 23,1990. The family is deeply saddened by his sudden death. Affectionately known as Ben, he touched many lives and made it his mission to help and care for those closest to him.

One of Ben’s proudest achievements was graduating with honors from the Wisconsin Challenge Academy. Ben rose quickly through the ranks and was responsible for leading two cadet troops. Ben flourished in this environment. The lessons of honor, commitment, and loyalty that he learned at WCA became the core of his personality. His skills in discipline and precision were showcased in his performances on the drill team. 

Ben was passionate about video games, electronics, History, teaching and training, Harry Potter, Greek mythology and fishing. Opening day was a national holiday to him. His favorite part of fishing was taking his niece, nephew, and friends fishing and teaching them which line to use, how to braid a knot to secure a hook, how to bait the hook, and how to reel in the big catch. He studied and learned all things about fishing and passed his knowledge onto others with great pride. Rest assured if you are fishing on opening day, he is there casting a line right next to you. When Ben was camping, hunting, or fishing, he was in his element and found solace and serenity there.

The most important thing in Ben’s life was his family. He took an active role in the lives of his niece and nephew. He was more than a devoted uncle; Ben was a loyal advocate and friend. As with anyone, if help was needed Ben was the first one to offer his help. Ben had a keen sense of humor and his main goal was always to make you laugh and to make you feel comfortable. There is little doubt his memory will live on through those who were so dear to him; his family and the close friends who he considered family. You will never be able to find a more loyal friend than Ben.

In his own words, Ben wrote:

“I just want the people around me that I care about to live their best, happiest lives possible...I am human, and I care about my family and friends. I just encourage people to be happy and chase their goals and dreams...I don’t want to make the world worse. I want to be someone who made it a little brighter, a little warmer, a little safer...I might still be the thing that encourages some form of kindness, mercy, or whatever positive down the road.”

And down that road we will meet again, if nothing more than to say, “Suh dude.”

Ben’s surviving immediate family includes his mother Marie Davis and father, Steve. His father Joe Haring (Laura). His sisters Anastacia Marincel (Heather) and Nicole Elsholtz. His brothers Reilly Davis (Paige) and Matthew Davis. His nieces Elaine Soderlund and Alexis Elsholtz, along with his nephew Eric Soderlund, his uncle Bryan Gudgeon, numerous other family members as well as his very dear friend Karen Campos and his cherished fur babies, Bagheera and Belle. 

A Celebration of Life for Ben will be held on May 10, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.at Stange Park, 209 West 3rd Street, Merrill, WI

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.