Ben was born the son of Steven and Nancy Dillon Ziegenmeyer on July 4, 1983, in Grinnell, Iowa. He was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 2001. Ben recently moved to Boone, where he worked at Osmondson Manufacturing in Perry. He soon would have been enrolled at Iowa State University to pursue his dream of becoming an industrial engineer. Ben was a person that could bring a smile to a stranger's face and was well-liked by everyone. He was considered the world's greatest uncle by his nieces and this was evidenced by the love he had for them. His enjoyments included reading, listening to music, and being with his family and friends. His spirit will remain through the lives of others he touched. Ben is survived by his fianc'e, Rachel Haubrich of Boone; his parents, Nancy and James Ludwig of Woodward, IA and Steven Ziegenmeyer of Grinnell; his brother, Nicholas (Holly) Ziegenmeyer of Grinnell; his sister, Kristin Ziegenmeyer of Grinnell; his paternal grandparents, Charles and Wilma Ziegenmeyer of Grinnell; his maternal grandparents, Donald Dillon of Cedar Rapids, IA and Betty Dillon of Grinnell; his step grandmother, Arlene Ludwig of LaPorte City, IA; and his nieces, Mariah and Austin of Grinnell. Ben was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal great grandparents; his step grandfather, Norman Ludwig; and his step grandmother, Mary Kathleen Dillon. Memorials may be directed to the Grinnell Christian Church to benefit the children's preschool program. A memorial fund has also been setup in Ben's name at the Templeton Savings Bank in Manning, Iowa.