Benjeman Clay

Shaw

Benjeman Clay Shaw, 49, of Loves Park, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 9, 2026. He was born on October 19, 1977, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Clay and Linda (Colli) Shaw.

Ben graduated from Washington High School in the Class of 1995. He continued his education at Olivet Nazarene University, earning a bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine and a master's degree in Education. A talented athlete, Ben was a standout goalkeeper for the university's soccer team and was later inducted into the Olivet Nazarene University Soccer Hall of Fame. His love for the sport continued through coaching positions at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Rockford University, where he shared his knowledge and passion with young athletes. An avid soccer enthusiast, Ben's favorite team was Manchester United.

Ben was employed as a Recruitment Specialist at Safe Families for Children, an organization whose mission aligned with his own commitment to strengthening families and helping others.

Ben was united in marriage to Sarah Christensen on November 23, 2013, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, exactly two years to the day after their first date. His proposal to Sarah was a memorable occasion that perfectly captured his love for family and his willingness to go the extra mile. Wanting Ella to be part of this special moment, Ben arranged to propose to Sarah in Ella's elementary school classroom at Windsor Elementary School. Ella, however, had a few requirements of her own. She insisted that Ben change his clothes, pick up flowers, and bring enough Ring Pops for the children in her class. Making the proposal just right required stops at multiple Walgreens stores to track down the candy. It was a wonderfully unforgettable beginning to the next chapter of their family's story.

Although their personalities were different, and some might have considered them opposites, Sarah and Ben were a perfect match. Their relationship was built on love, honesty, communication, and a willingness to grow together. They learned how to navigate life's challenges, blend their family, and embrace one another's differences. Ben was the love of Sarah's life, and she will forever be grateful for the life they built and the conversations they shared, even the difficult ones. She has no regrets about choosing Ben as her life partner.

Above all else, Ben was an extraordinary father. His devotion to his children, Ella, Lincoln, and Grant, was unwavering. When Ella was growing up, Ben would make a six-hour round trip every other weekend to bring her home to spend time together. No distance was too great and no effort too much when it came to being her dad. When Ella eventually relocated to the area, having her close was one of the greatest gifts of his life. He made sure she grew up with an appreciation for Star Wars, sharing something he loved with someone he loved even more.

Ben embraced fatherhood with his boys with the same fierce dedication, patience, and love. He delighted in the wonderfully chaotic adventures of raising his spirited three-year-old, Grant, while also being a devoted and tireless advocate for Lincoln, his son with autism. He continually challenged himself to grow, learn, and become the very best father he could be for each of his children, recognizing and celebrating their individual personalities and needs.

Ben was a man of strong convictions and an even stronger heart. He could appear tough on the outside, but those who knew him understood the tenderness beneath that exterior. Friendly, loyal, and unapologetically authentic, Ben stood firmly by his principles while remaining willing to listen, learn, and consider another person's perspective. He never allowed a difference of opinion to stand in the way of a meaningful relationship.

When someone came to Ben for advice, they could count on receiving the truth, delivered with love and without unnecessary sugarcoating. His wife and friends affectionately referred to these candid, heartfelt conversations as "getting Shawed." Ben wasn't afraid to have the hard conversations because he cared enough to have them. He believed that honesty and love belonged together, and he practiced both in his relationships.

Ben often said that the most important things in the world were relationships and relational capital. He believed in radical generosity and unapologetic authenticity. It was more than a sentiment; it was a reflection of how he chose to live. He understood that the true measure of a life was not what a person accumulated, but what they gave of themselves to others.

His faith was an important foundation in his life. Ben was a member of Bethesda Covenant Church and had previously attended Heartland Community Church, where he was actively involved in the Celebrate Recovery ministry and served on the Pastoral Care team. He believed in the power of grace, personal growth, and second chances, and he was willing to walk alongside others through life's most difficult seasons.

Ben also gave generously of his time and talents to his community. As an active member of Alpine Kiwanis, he served on the Brat Days Committee and helped the organization improve its technology and resources. He was involved with the Superhero Center for Autism, a cause especially close to his heart, and founded the Safe Families 5K fundraiser in Rockford. Whether through his faith, volunteer work, coaching, or personal relationships, Ben consistently looked for ways to make life better for others.

Ben was, quite simply, an incredible man. He loved deeply, spoke truthfully, gave generously, and lived authentically. He was never interested in being perfect, but he was committed to becoming better. He understood that love required effort, that relationships were worth fighting for, and that the people in his life deserved his very best. His legacy will live on in his children, in the countless lives he touched, and in the love he so freely poured into the world.

Survived by his loving wife, Sarah; children, Ella (Owen Hunt) Shaw, Lincoln Shaw, and Grant Shaw; parents, Clay (Joyce) Shaw and Linda (Todd) Gibson; brother, Nate (Natalie) Shaw; stepsisters, Morgan Gibson and Jessi (Aaron) Colclasure; parents-in-law, Paul and Sue Christensen; brothers-in-law, Matthew (Jill) Christensen, Mark (Emily) Christensen, Eric Christensen; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, a circle of special friends, and former spouse, Brooke Nicol.

Preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; two babies who were loved and lost before birth; and infant sister-in-law, Amy Christensen.

Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bethesda Covenant Church, 2101 E. State Street, Rockford. An additional memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church, followed by a celebration of Ben's life at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Dan Hinz officiating. Live stream of the service can be viewed here: https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/JXPKLSIn honor of Ben's love for Manchester United, the family encourages those attending to dress casually in the team's colors of black, red, white, and gold. Private interment will take place at Scandinavian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the following:

• The Shaw Family

• Safe Families for Children, Safe Families for Children (SFFC) Rockford: Connecting Parents to a Supportive Network ' Linktree or the

•  Superhero Center for Autism, The Superhero Center for Autism - A place where kids can just be themselves.

Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.