Benjamin R. Backlund, 38, died Wednesday, June 19, 2019 unexpectedly of natural causes at his residence.

He was born in Duluth on Sept. 19, 1980 the son of Debra Backlund (Kennedy) and Dennis Backlund.

Ben graduated with the Superior Senior High School class of 1999.  He worked construction and was skilled in all trades.

Ben had a great sense of humor.  He was known for his wit and impersonations.  Ben was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.  He enjoyed playing golf, was a talented baseball player, and loved music and singing.  Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Ben was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Roderic Backlund.

He is survived by his mother, Debra (Jeff Nyquist) Backlund of South Range; father, Dennis (Cynthia) Backlund of Gordon; siblings, Kori Backlund of Solon Springs, Christopher 'Foofie' (Jason Brew) Backlund of Superior, and Katie (Tony Phinney) Backlund of Hudson, WI; nieces and nephews, Olivia, Ryley, Brooklyn, Reid, Brennon, and Dawson; maternal grandparents, Terry and Bette Kennedy of Eveleth, MN; paternal grandmother, Marion Olkonen of Superior; special friend, Kelsey Blais-Krob; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

His visitation will be on Saturday, June 22 ^nd from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. mass of Christian burial at Cathedral of Christ the King Church, 1410 Baxter Avenue, with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant.