Benjamin Oscar Terhaar

Benjamin Oscar Terhaar, lovingly known as Ben, was born on May 6, 1979, in Glenwood, Minnesota, to Timothy James Terhaar and Renette Diane (Reed) Terhaar.

As a young child, he lived for short periods in Wyoming and Colorado before spending the majority of his elementary school years in Arizona. During those years, Ben spent his summers in Minnesota with his grandparents, Oscar and Shirley Terhaar, enjoying time together on the family farm. He also cherished time with his Uncle Bruce, who was not only his godfather but an important part of his life.

His family later returned to Sedan, Minnesota, where he attended school in Glenwood before moving to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in eighth grade. He graduated from Aberdeen Central High School with the Class of 1997. Following graduation, Ben remained in Aberdeen for a short period of time before moving back to Sedan, Minnesota.

Throughout his working years, Ben held a variety of jobs, including work at a scrap metal company, in construction, and working for his father at Terhaar Excavating. He began working for Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) as a track inspector in 2021.

Ben proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Sedan Fire Department for nearly twenty years. His dedication extended beyond answering calls, as he also participated in fundraising events, often bringing his unmistakable sense of humor along with him.

Ben had a lifelong love of the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and ice fishing, often with family and friends.

Ben met Erin (Malmquist) in 2007. They married in 2016 and welcomed two children, Chelsea Kae and Daniel Timothy. Ben loved spending time with his children, whether hunting, fishing, or sharing his love of music. He especially enjoyed playing music videos on YouTube, introducing them to his favorite songs and artists, and passing along his appreciation for music.

Ben had a way of making friends wherever he went. Incredibly funny and always the life of the party, he loved bringing people together and filling a room with laughter. Whether swing dancing, singing karaoke, dressing up in costumes, entertaining others with his many impersonations, helping create parade floats for Sedan DAZE, or organizing coyote hunts and gun raffles, Ben knew how to make life entertaining.

Ben is survived by his wife, Erin; his children, Chelsea Kae and Daniel Timothy; his paternal grandmother, Shirley Terhaar; his father, Timothy James Terhaar; his siblings, Christina Ann Terhaar (children Amelia, Olivia, and Silas) and Adam Dana Terhaar (Rachel and their children Avery and Rhett).

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Oscar Killian Terhaar; his mother, Renette Diane (Reed Terhaar) Birdsall; his stepmother, Nancy Terhaar; his maternal grandparents, Richard Reed and Ruth Kathryn (Wolter) Reed; and his maternal uncles, Gary Allen Reed and Richard Dana Reed (his mother’s twin brother).

“Don’t be sad when you think of me. Share a piece of me in the laughter we shared with generations to come.”

Graveside Service
Saturday, November 21, 2026
1:30 p.m.
Sedan Cemetery
Sedan, Minnesota

Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 21, 2026
3:00–7:00 p.m.
Padua Pub Hall
33945 County Road 18
Sauk Centre, MN 56378

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Glacial Ridge Health System, Essentia Health–Fargo and HIA Heather’s House, as well as Ben’s aunt, Janice Montonye, and all those who took the time to visit and be by his side during his final days.

Your kindness, love, and care brought comfort to Ben and his family during an incredibly difficult time. We will forever be grateful for the compassion and support you shared with him.