Benjamin Paul Reimers

On July 3, 2022, in His perfect timing, God called Benjamin “Ben” Paul Reimers to heaven at the age of 24. He was a beloved son, kind brother, faithful friend, compassionate teacher, accomplished musician, and dynamic leader.

Ben was the second eldest of six children born to Paul and Melissa Reimers on February 20, 1998 in Bossier City, Louisiana. His parents earnestly prayed that the Lord would give them a son that would love the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength and serve Christ in full-time Christian ministry if the Lord called him to do so. The Lord answered those prayers by bringing Benjamin into their lives. Ben trusted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 4 and eventually followed the Lord’s calling into ministry. As a young boy, Ben showed a keen interest in music, taking every opportunity to climb upon his father’s lap while he played the piano, eventually taking weekly, formal piano lessons from him as his teacher. In due course, Ben added the violin and viola to his musical repertoire. Ben was an eager learner who was always interested in the details, making homeschooling him a wonderful, wonderful joy for his mother. He learned to read and write by the age of 4, a product of his natural hunger to learn and grow. Consciously molding his tender heart, his mother would teach him, along with his siblings, to memorize whole books of the Bible as well as key Bible passages, verses, and spiritual truths. In addition to the Biblical teaching, his parents took time to teach him to discipline his mind and emotions and to think of others before himself, lovingly correcting and disciplining him when necessary. His boyhood was filled with many adventures and happy memories spent romping in the woods, playing in the treehouse, hitting baseballs in the backyard, and gardening plants and vegetables. As he matured into a young man, Ben cultivated interests in strategy board games, biking, hiking, and drawing. Above all, Ben deeply cherished spending time with his family, going to great lengths to help his siblings learn and grow, especially tending to his handicapped brother, Noah. With a dad who played piano and siblings who played cello and violin, Ben enjoyed making music together with his family. Ben would collaborate with his family to minister in church services, shut-in homes, and rescue missions both through instrumental specials and vocal pieces. As the son of an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, his family moved quite frequently throughout his childhood, enabling Ben to impact many people through his fervent passion, bright attitude, and servant’s heart in his church and in the community, regardless of where he lived.

After high school graduation in 2016, Ben enrolled in the Baptist College of Ministry (BCM) in Menomonee Falls, WI, where he earned his bachelor’s degrees in Pastoral Studies and Music in 2021. The fall after graduation, he began taking classes at the Baptist Theological Seminary on the same campus, and had completed one year of his master’s degree program before God called him home. Ben was the epitome of a life-long learner, listening intently to professors, taking copious handwritten notes, and applying knowledge gained in the classroom in his teaching and administration. Though outwardly quiet, Ben was an incredibly active critical thinker with the ability to grapple with complex ideas. His extreme sensitivity to the smallest of details and the thoroughness of his work made him a distinctive articulator. In meetings, Ben would sit calmly and listen to everyone else talk and discuss, and then he would give his thoughts in the most clear, powerful way possible. Everyone wanted to hear what Ben had to say because he always perceived realities that no one else could see and introduced paradigm-shifting perspectives that would move the discussion forward. Whatever Ben’s hand found to do, he gave it his all intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. As a result, everything he did was always excellent.

Among his peers at college, Ben was revered as a steady, uncompromising leader, one who always stood up for the right and inspired others to do the same. Many fellow college students were deeply impacted by his empathetic mentorship and ability to personally encourage them in their practical walk with the Lord. Musically, he shone as a passionate performer and a dedicated leader. Ben performed in various instrumental and singing groups including string ensembles, orchestras, chorales, and choirs, as a violinist, violist, pianist, and a bass singer. Ben was always intentional about musical excellence and constantly motivated others around him to be “all-in.” He led by example, diligently practicing every day and humbly receiving corrections from teachers. When the Baptist College of Ministry Chamber Strings Ensemble was chosen to perform for the acclaimed Midwest Clinic in 2019, Ben unified and inspired a group of more than 30 string players to prepare, practice, and perform at a professional level. As part of the BCM traveling ensemble, he visited many churches across the country for two summers in a row, anchoring the group with his beautiful, deep bass voice and blessing individual church members and pastors with his cheerful countenance. He was a true servant-leader, able to cast vision and inspire those around him to do the impossible. He simply “jumped in” and made it happen. He never cared if people realized he was the driving force behind a successful project—he just lived for the cause of seeing people brought to the Lord.

Benjamin served above and beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of the ministry at Falls Baptist Church. An administrator and music teacher at Falls Baptist Music School, a choir director in the Falls Baptist Academy, and a supervisor for the Shining Stars Day Camp, Benjamin wore many hats and fulfilled each role in the most exceptional way possible. He was a special teacher who is remembered for his kindness and compassion toward all those around him. Visitors felt welcomed and at home in his presence. Handicapped children loved Mr. Ben for the many hours he poured into their lives, patiently teaching them and listening to them. Mr. Ben’s music students experienced the gentle correction of a teacher who was constantly growing and refining his own skills and teaching abilities. Fellow teachers appreciated his ability to cast vision and keep spirits high. No one spread more love in one lifetime than Ben Reimers. “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). Truly, Benjamin Paul Reimers was a shining star, turning many to His righteous Savior.

Ben spent much of his day serving students—he would faithfully awaken each morning to welcome early-care summer camp students, and then work a long, full day. He would practice with many students—his own and others, who needed the help. He was not exclusive, never a respecter of persons. Patiently and thoughtfully, he would help struggling students in classrooms not by reprimanding them, but attending to their personal needs. He would spend hours outside of the classroom and formal music lessons tutoring special needs children, simply because he loved them and knew Jesus loved them. In fact, one of his favorite statements was, “When Christ is first, life makes sense.” His life is a reflection of one who loved the Lord Jesus with all his heart, encouraged others to do the same, and just served. His life shines in so many ways, reflecting the glory of his beautiful Savior.

A true hero—a dedicated pedagogue, a life-long learner, an articulate speaker, a dynamic writer, a disciplined and surrendered laborer, an exceptional leader, an extraordinary teacher, a one-of-a-kind musician, a transformational discipler, a man after God’s own heart. Faithful Ben! With a vision to change the world for Christ, Ben optimized every part of his life to see the next generation internalize the truths of the Word of God. Every day, he loved his Jesus, his family, his church, his college, his mentors, his students, and his classmates with unconditional love. He found the best in people and believed in their unique potential to be used by God. He lived a life of generational transfer, and he died a death that will change the world. He stood for the philosophy that began the Baptist College of Ministry, and lived out the mission and vision of Falls Baptist Church. He was so keenly aware of God’s great plan for fundamental Christianity in our day through the local church and discipleship, and practically advanced the cause of Christ forward, day by day. Ben’s legacy inspires every Christian to lay aside every weight and patiently run the race set before them! May he always, always be remembered!

Ben is survived by his parents, Paul and Melissa, as well as his five siblings: Emily Grace, Josiah, Noah, Annabeth, and James, as well as his grandparents, Harry and Fern Reimers, Joan Lesley, and David and Jo Musick. Ben will truly be missed not only by his family, but by everyone his life touched. His students, peers, disciples, fellow teachers, pastors, and others were profoundly impacted by Ben’s life, because he lived a dedicated life for Christ.

The Benjamin Reimers Memorial Scholarship fund was established to encourage the development of future music leaders. Ben loved the students of Falls Baptist Music School and Falls Baptist Academy / Shining Stars Day Camp, and gave his life to serve them so they in turn would serve Jesus. To honor Benjamin’s memory, this foundation has been instituted to help students enrolled in Falls Baptist Music School or Shining Stars Day Camp with the cost of music lessons or camps. Ben believed that music education was key to full-person character development. He was a passionate advocate for both the music school and academy since he felt that these institutions would enable young people to be transformed. He was a role model to so many young boys and diligently sought to help them become men of God through their daily experiences with music or academics. With your donations, we hope to continue Ben’s legacy of serving the young people in our community so that they will in turn serve Jesus by reaching others. Donate to the “Memorial Scholarship Fund in Ben Reimers' Name” at the following link: https://gofund.me/26655cbf

Benjamin Paul Reimers was a servant leader who graduated to heaven at the young age of 24 after making a significant impact in the world for the glory of God. His mission is complete. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)