Benny Karpisek Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Benny Karpisek

April 20, 1943 - December 09, 2017

Obituary For Benny Karpisek

Benny “Ben” Leroy Karpisek, resident of the County of Grande Prairie, passed away at home on Saturday, December 9, 2017, surrounded in the love of family, at the age of 74 years.

Ben was born in Beaverlodge, AB on April 20, 1943 to Alberta and Longin “Joe” Karpisek. He was also greeted into the world by older half-siblings Dennis and Imogene Nelson. Younger sister, Dianne, was born nineteen months later.

Ben grew up on the family farm north of Valhalla Centre and attended grade school at Ashdown and Valhalla and, with his mother’s encouragement, high school in Fairview. He would later attend NAIT in Edmonton and graduate as a Tele-Communications Electrician and begin his career with AGT/Telus.

After 30 years of service, Ben left Telus. Excited to take on new challenges, he spent two years working independently selling Quorum home and personal security products before an eleven month stint as a car salesman for Hansen Ford. These successes laid the ground work for what he considered the very best career when Rick Frayn, the Branch 59 manager of Sun Life (formerly Mutual Life and Clarica) would tap him on the shoulder and invite him for a coffee. For the next fourteen years, Ben would meet clients in his office or around their kitchen tables to communicate the value of life insurance and financial planning for them and their families. Ben humbly and genuinely worked by the motto that the only way to greater success and reward was through service to others.

Ben was a former Rotarian, Chamber of Commerce director and Co-Founder of Can West Group Benefits (formerly KTW Group Benefits). Ben retired in December 2010.

Retirement would mean more time for enjoying the acreage at Aspen Ridge, horseback riding, camping, fishing, hunting, wood cutting, hockey pools and trips to Arizona. He was Susan’s soul mate and a dedicated family man. He was the skating coach, the fan for kid’s and grandkid’s hockey, the sometimes shuttle from school to dance, the “go to guy” for family errands, from flooded basements to picking up flowers for work away husband (sons in-law), fixing plug ins and storing and maintaining boats and ATVs.

With Susan still working, he honed his skills in the kitchen and could prepare anything as long as the main ingredient was red meat. He was a hockey player and coach, minor baseball coach, cowboy, hiker, mountain biker and skier (alpine and cross country), competitive endurance rider, gardener and chuckwagon racing and rodeo fan. He enjoyed country music and was always a loyal Oilers fan.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 30 years Susan, son Lyle (Allisen), daughter Tracy (Dan), Jayden, Ashten and Ashley, step-son Josh (Karlie) Thompson and Lydia, step-daughter Sophia (Pete) MacIsaac and Qynne, sister Dianne Blum, half-sister Imogene Brook, father in-law Bob Peel, brothers in-law Lionel (Dianne) Peel, Rod (Karen) Peel, and Darcy (Helene) Peel; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.

He was predeceased by parents Joe and Alberta Karpisek, mother in-law Mona Peel, half-brother Dennis Nelson and brothers in-law Dave Brook and Daryle Blum.

Ben was diagnosed and treated for cancer in 2014. In his true style he adapted to the challenges that treatment delivered and lived on with zest and without looking back. In September of 2016, we would learn that the cancer had spread. He and Susan continued to live and enjoy life and all that blessed them.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Angela Barreth and the Home Care staff for their care and support during the last few weeks of Ben’s life.

A Celebration of Ben’s Life will take place on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 10:30am, at Jackpot Grill in Grande Prairie (10904 92 Ave.), with Pastor Vern Begalke officiating. Lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance Service (www.stars.ca 10911 123 St., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7Z3) or a charity of one’s choice.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

June 24, 2021

Diduch Louise

We are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful and inspiring man Ben was. It was an honour to know him. I wish we could be there with you on Saturday but know that you are in our hearts always.
June 24, 2021

Watson Barbara

So sorry to hear of Ben's passing but I'm very grateful for the wonderful memories shared during the Valhalla reunion. Hugs!!
June 24, 2021

BROWN TIMOTHY

I am sorry for your loss, Ben will be missed.
June 24, 2021

Campbell Lorraine and Dave

Our sincere condolences to you and family.
June 24, 2021

Halvorson Janet

I had the pleasure of working with Ben when he was involved with KTW. He was a kind, patient man and I am glad to have known him. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
June 24, 2021

Sorgen-Smith Deborah

Dear Susan & Family, my deepest condolences to you all in the loss of Ben. He was a great guy always had a smile or a word to help me with my day, he took time to have a little visit when ever he seen me. Iâ??m sorry but I will not be able to attend the celebration of life as I will be out of the country. I will pray that the Lord Jesus will comfort you & hold you all in the palm of his hand throughout the coming days. Sincerely Deborah & Dennis Smith
June 24, 2021

Roos Rina

Dear Susan: So sorry to hear about Benâ??s passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rina
June 24, 2021

Lytwyn Steve

Hi Susan; I am shocked at the passing of Ben; he was so skilled in every aspect of his work and sports or whatever he was involved in. A very good craftsman and an excellent supervisor; he was fair to all. I pass sincere condolences to all the family. May he rest in peace! Steve
June 24, 2021

Peel Angela

For each of us who has been lucky enough to know Ben, there's a space in our hearts that his influence will forever occupy. Let's speak often and enthusiastically of his full and beautiful life, and let's speak his name with a calm confidence. Let's refer to Ben's vast knowledge of 'all things outdoors-y' and remember his well-rounded stories of adventure! Let's think of the sound of his hearty and mischievous giggle! And that his warmth always showed in his smiling eyes. Especially when he'd spot Susan! 😍 Ben & Susan's love story is 30 plus years of partnership, fulfilment, adventure, and family values. Thank you, Uncle Ben, for joining our family and making my Auntie Susan so happy, and for being such a cool Dad to 2 of my favourite cousins 😘 Sending our love and support to you all, today tomorrow and always, Angela & Rodd & Austin in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
June 24, 2021

Rymhs Roger

My sincere condolences to you and your family, Susan. I still recall my stroke of luck when I advised Ben where to go moose hunting. Ben then got one right close to where you folks were camped. Mostly I remember Ben as a very patient and honest man.
June 24, 2021

Bishop Dan and Cindy

I met Ben and Susan in 1983 at the tennis courts in Swanavon. I was new to the city and looking to have a game. They immediately invited me to play. Ben and I became friends through our love of hockey and our sons involvement in the sport. I have the deepest admiration for Ben. He always made people feel important and at ease. Simply said, he put others before himself. Perhaps that is why in a crowded room, people would gravitate towards Ben. We can only imagine what a terrific role model Ben was for all his family. Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family Susan. God bless you all. Dan and Cindy Bishop

Useful Links

Add Your Useful Link

We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our Obituaries. We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

To view the livestream of Sandra Van Schaick (Saturday at 11:00 am) or Glenn Kochendorfer (Monday at 2:00 pm) visit https://www.facebook.com/olivers.funeral.home/

Your Name:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Business Name:
Description of Useful Link / Service: