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BRIAN BENZELOCK
We are broken-hearted to announce the unexpected passing of Brian from this life into the next on January the 22, 2025.
Brian was loving, smart, funny, generous, talented, sarcastic, helpful, unfiltered, emotional, and so much more and was partially oblivious to the impact he had on others around him. He was one of a kind. He was special. Brian could build houses, fix many things, break anything, and then put it back together, make friends with anyone and then put them on "the list". He could tell the best stories (even the same ones 2-3 times a night) but was an amazing listener. He rarely forgot a face or name and remembered whatever conversation details or experiences happened when he was with you, even from way back, and everyone always remembered meeting him. Everything with Brian was always an adventure - from a simple boat ride, building or fixing something, going to a sports event, watching an OMGHA hockey game, a snowmobile or sea-doo ride, a golf cart ride or just a walk down a beach, it was guaranteed something exciting would happen that would turn into a story or great memory. Brian loved spending time on the boat on lake Minnetonka or at his favorite place in the world, Duffy's Island. In his happy place, he would always have a project or five but would always make time for a few bud lights or a Gibby's and visits. Brian loved music, which was often either a topic of deep conversation, a great night out or could be heard blasting from either the house or the cabin. One of the things Brian loved most by far were his friends and family. Once you became close to Brian, he would do anything for you, and he'd likely give you a nickname if you were lucky enough. He could often be seen in the neighborhood snow blowing or mowing or at the lake fixing something or even just observing and telling you that you were doing it wrong. But what he loved most and was so incredibly proud of was his family. Sherri and Matt meant the world to him. He could be found at every sports game Matt ever had and was one of the boys when it came to Matt and his friends. He doted on Sherri, allowing her to be successful with work and made her feel so incredibly special. He never went a day without telling them he loved them.
Brian was born in Winnipeg on January 26, 1972. He worked at Bunzy's Autobody until he became a licensed electrician. He married Sherri on July 19, 1997, in Winnipeg after dating for 6 years. In 1999, they moved to Minneapolis where Brian eventually became a licensed General Contractor and opened Benzelock Construction and Renovation LLC. In 2010, he moved with Sherri and Matt to New Jersey for Sherri's work and then back to Minneapolis in 2011. He hung up his hammer not too long after that due to his back issues.
Brian was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and an incredible part of several communities including the Lake of the Woods community, Hampton Hills neighborhood and the OMGHA hockey community.
Brian was survived by his parents Gary (Janine) Benzelock and Carol Benzelock, wife Sherri, son Matthew (Kaylee), sisters Tracy (Enzo) Paseluikho, Keri-Ann (Rob) Benzelock, brother-in-law Chris Labelle (Jennifer), nieces and nephews Colton (Cass) Paseluikho, Kaidyn (Christian) Paseluikho, Axel Labelle, Corbin Wilk, father-in-law Gerald Naumann, step-father-in-law Ray Labelle, mother-in-law Connie Labelle and cousins Ryan (Dominique) Leavey and Sheryl Leavey, aunts and uncles, many other family members and friends from both Canada and the US.
A celebration of Brian's life will be held in Winnipeg on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Transcona Country Club at 12:00 p.m. at 2070 Dugald Rd, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Additionally, we will be holding a Celebration of Life in Minneapolis at a later date to be announced in the coming weeks.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2025
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Gary and Family, Our sincere condolences to all the Benzelock family. Dianne & Danny McKelvey - Posted by: Dianne & Danny McKelvey (Friend) on: Feb 09, 2025
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Ger, Sherri and Matt - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of Brian. My profound condolences to you and your family. Rest in peace Brian. - Posted by: Brenda & Del Downey (Friend - Via Rail) on: Feb 08, 2025
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I grew up with Brian's Father since we were about five years old, I met Brian a few times and he was a very nice guy. He loved his Family and the Lake. My Deepest Condolences to his Family down South and all his Family here in Winnipeg. RIP Brian you will be missed - Posted by: Tom Hamilton (Friend) on: Feb 05, 2025
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I was shocked and heartbroken when I got word of Brian’s passing. I met Gary and Carol many years back when their children were young. Being a boy, just a bit older I got to know Brian from a young age. When his parents bought Duffys Island I spent a lot of time with Brian, Working around the cabin, swimming and boating to name a few activities. I got nominated on many occasions to pull Brian behind the boat on the knee board. As we got older our lives took us in different directions, but I never forgot Brian or the Benzelock family. Brian will be missed by many but never forgotten. RIP my friend. - Posted by: Ron Kohler (Family Friend) on: Feb 04, 2025
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I remember Brian from visits with family. I uses to tease him by calling him Brian Jesus. Only the family will know what I mean.. we went to California with the Benzelock family and had a great time. - Posted by: Gerry Mastaler (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2025
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Hi Gary and Family: I was heart stricken when I learned about Brian's passing. It is so sad when someone who is younger than oneself passes; especially so for a family member. My first thought was to offer a prayer, (one of my favorite passages) a prayer for peace beyond all understanding. "Do not not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ". Philippians 4: 6,7 Take care, love one another and have peace in Jesus' comfort and peace . Love you. - Posted by: Rick Burik (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2025
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Hi Gary and family: I was heart stricken when I learned about Brian's passing. It is so sad when someone who is younger than oneself passes; especially so for a family member. My first thought was to offer a prayer, one of my favorite passages, a prayer for peace beyond all understanding. - Posted by: Rick Burik (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2025
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So sorry to hear of Brian's passing. My profound condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace Brian. - Posted by: Jim Clemis (Friend of the Parents) on: Feb 02, 2025
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Gary and family. My sincerest condolences. Although I didn’t know Brian well, we chatted many times at the boathouse. Helped each other load and unload heavier and awkward things on numerous occasions. He would often just sit and chat while I was piling wood in the boat house. His love of the island, lake, boating and snowmobiling were obvious. He was so kind, considerate, friendly and funny. Clearly knew how to appreciate and enjoy life. I will miss seeing him. - Posted by: Grant (Boathouse neighbour Kendal Inlet Rd) on: Feb 01, 2025
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Rest in Peace Brian We were so happy to have you as our nieces husband ! We will miss you as our nephew , our son-in-law, and our cousin.😢 We will your big hugs, your laughter, your teasing Especially your love for all of us! 😘 Your Culinary Talent, not allowing us in your kitchen making us drool until your meal is ready!!🥧☕️🧀🫖 Thank you for the love of our Dear Sherri and Mathew!💕 You will be in our Hearts FOREVER 🥰🙏🙏🙏 - Posted by: Iris Sullivan (Aunt) on: Feb 01, 2025
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Sheri and Matt, No words can express how you are feeling over the loss of Brian. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. It just wont be the same at Duffys without Brian there. Take care of yourselves. Love Aunty Donna & Leo - Posted by: donna leavey (aunty) on: Feb 01, 2025
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Although, I only saw Brian the times he came to your house, but I know how much his and his family’s visits meant to you. He seemed like a very special man. My heart goes out to you and your family. ❤️🙏😇 - Posted by: Shirlee Zest (Friend) on: Feb 01, 2025
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Gary, Janine and Benzelock family, My deepest sympathies on the untimely death of Brian. - Posted by: Betty Steeves (friend) on: Feb 01, 2025
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My family met Brian 23 years ago when we moved into his sisters neighborhood. Tracy knew we’d hit it off. Brian and Sherri instantly became an unofficial aunt and uncle to our 3 kids and Matt became a bonus cousin. They loved them like family. Still do. It’s tough to imagine we won’t see that grin. The sweet one and the sarcastic. What we will do is remember the time we got to spend with Brian and cherish the time we still get with Sherri and Matt. We all love you guys. Forever in our hearts. - Posted by: Leanne Wrobel (Friend) on: Feb 01, 2025