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Benjamin Ryan "Ben" Brow Obituary

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Benjamin Ryan "Ben" Brow

Marquette, MI

June 25, 1992 - December 8, 2020

Benjamin Ryan "Ben" Brow Obituary

CHOCOLAY TOWSHIP, MI - Ben Brow, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, after a brave battle with cancer, surrounded by his family who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly. He was born on June 25, 1992 in Marquette, the son of Ronald Jr. and Jane (Jensen) Brow. Ben touched the lives of many throughout his 28 years. Ben was raised in Marquette and was a 2010 graduate of Marquette Senior High School and graduated from Alma College in 2015 with his degree in education. As a youth, Ben discovered his love of music, singing and performing. He started in theater at age 11 with the City of Marquette youth theater performing in the musical Oliver, and went on to perform in many plays and musicals with the group. He continued to perform in high school, with his final performance in Seussical the Musical. In that play, he played the part of Mr. Mayor wearing a, now infamous, yellow suit jacket. The jacket became a favorite of his, and it remained a treasured possession. Ben started singing with the choir in middle school and continued through high school as a member of the Marquette Senior High School Chorale. While in chorale, he was excited to have the opportunity to travel to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall and also to Hawaii to perform at a celebration there. Ben was a founding member and motivating force of the high school eight-member men’s choir group, Octomen. He also performed with the Alma College choir. There he had the opportunity to sing with Josh Groban and to travel to Ireland on tour with the choir. Ben enjoyed competitive swimming. Starting with the Marquette Watercats team, he continued on through high school and then swam three years with the Alma College Swimming and Diving Team. He was a great teammate; always cheering for his fellow swimmers. Ben also enjoyed hiking, gaming with his cousins and friends and was an avid reader. He was always up for a game of Euchre with family and friends, as well as a cribbage challenge. As a youth, he loved camping with his family and was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church. While at Alma College, Ben was a proud member of Zeta Sigma Fraternity and enjoyed spending time with his brothers and promoting the ideals of the organization. After graduating from Alma College, Ben began teaching middle school and high school math. His first teaching position was with Detroit Public Safety Academy, where he taught for four years. In August, 2019, he accepted a position with Westfield Preparatory Academy in Redford, Michigan, where he was currently employed. Ben had a great passion for teaching and loved his students, referring to them as his “kiddos”. He encouraged his students to perform their best and to pursue what made them happy. Ben was a kind, compassionate soul with a contagious enthusiasm for life and all that it offered. In addition to his parents, Ben is survived by his brother, Brad, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, who miss him dearly. He also left behind his two cats Sapphire and Malachite. Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents Ronald Sr. and Helen Brow, Robert (Beverly) Jensen, and Ellen Roueche Jensen, his uncle and aunt Ray and Anne Jensen. Ben’s family would like to thank Chelsea, of U.P. Home Health and Hospice, for the loving care she gave to him. Her presence made such a difference during this difficult time. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 27, from 4:00 pm until 6:30 pm at the Presque Isle Pavilion. The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a scholarship which is being set up in Ben’s name at Marquette Senior High School. Checks made out to the Education Foundation of Marquette Public Schools, 1201 W. Fair Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855, noting Ben’s name in the memo, can be made directly to the school or sent to the Brow family. Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com

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