Benjamin “Ben” Wacha

Benjamin “Ben” Wacha

Corvallis, Ore.

Benjamin “Ben” Wacha of Corvallis, Ore., passed away in Sherman, Texas, on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the age of 35. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church located at 4700 Johnson Ave., Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.

Ben was born on Feb. 16, 1988, in West Hills, Calif., to Shelly Richards of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Dallas Wacha, of Kansas City, Mo. Ben grew up in Lisle, Ill., before moving to Sugar Land, Texas, where he graduated from Clements High School in 2006. He graduated from University of Texas at San Antonio.

He will be remembered for his love of nature and his passion for taking care of the environment. He won over the heart of a rescue dog named Cho. He spent countless hours hiking, bicycling and gardening. He fulfilled several dreams by hiking the 2,198-mile Appalachian Trail, the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail and the southernmost 180 miles of the Continental Divide Trail. He also climbed to the peaks of several Colorado 14’ers. Along his journeys, he touched nearly all 50 states, and he made many human and animal friends.

He is survived by his love, Sarah Brandt of Corvallis, Ore.; parents, Shelly Richards of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Dallas Wacha, of Kansas City, Mo.; twin brother, Alex Wacha of Cedar Rapids; sister, Elizabeth Wacha and future brother-in-law, Collin Moore of San Angelo, Texas; grandmother, Nancy Mitchell (Robert Hanson) of Cedar Rapids; and several beloved uncles, aunts and cousins.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Eldon Richards, and Edwin and Rose Wacha.

The family requests no plants or flowers; memorials and condolences may be sent to the Family of Ben Wacha c/o St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 4700 Johnson Ave., Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.