Brian Benzelock

We are broken-hearted to announce the unexpected passing of Brian from this life into the next on January the 22nd, 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 19th, 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 is survivied 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 was held in Winnipeg on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, at the Transcona Country Club, 2070 Dugald Rd, Winnipeg, Manitoba.  

Additional Celebration will be held Saturday, March 1st, 2025 from 12 noon until 2pm at the Medina Entertainment Center, 500 Hwy 55, Medina, MN.