Benjamin Adolf Gruenke
Benjamin Adolf Gruenke, 92 years of age, an 87 year resident of Naples, AB, passed away at the Westlock Community Care facility where he resided for the past 5 years, on May 23, 2021.
Ben was born on April 30, 1929 on the family farm at Naples. This farm would be his home for 87 years.
Ben was the youngest of 9 children and lost his father when he was only 7 years old.
Ben and his older brother Irvine would, at ages 14 and 16, clear land using horses and brush cutters. This was a monumental task but a labour of love. The two brothers would work alongside one another until Irvine’s passing in 2013.
The highlight of Ben’s life came when, after a study of the Bible, he dedicated his life to his God, Jehovah, and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in New York in 1953.
It was during an assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses that he later met and married Marian Bodnar on July 2, 1966. They would later become proud parents to their beloved son Timothy for whom they had waited a long time.
With both Ben and Marian having pilot’s licenses, they loved to fly their plane both locally and for longer excursions, even to the U.S. They loved travel, going on many trips to exotic locations around the world together.
An entrepreneur, Ben built several spec homes and rental properties, and was the owner/ operator of an excavating business. He had many happy customers both near and far.
Farming was a passion that Ben had throughout his life, and one that he passed down to his son and grandson. In addition to being a farmer and steward of the land, Ben saw the fulfillment of Luke 10:2, which talks about a great spiritual harvest being accomplished according to God’s promise. Ben was a zealous worker in this harvest, preaching about God’s Kingdom throughout the Barrhead and Westlock areas until his death.
Ben believed in the hope of a resurrection to an everlasting life in a beautiful paradise here on earth. He was a hard worker, a loving, generous man who provided for his family and those in need.
Sleep well, Ben, until Jehovah awakens you to the paradise on earth He has promised in Ps. 37:29!
Ben is survived by his loving son Tim (Chalsea), his grandson Wolff, sisters-in-law Elsie and Esther, numerous nieces, nephews, and
many friends.
Ben was predeceased by his parents Philip and Johanna, his wife Marian, second wife Francis, brothers Ewald (Viola), Ralph (Frieda), Ray (Edna),
Bob (Mary), Gus (Daisy), Paul, Irvine, and sister Ena Rogers (Buck)
A private interment will be held prior to the funeral service which will take place on June 2, 2021 at 2:00. Due to pandemic restrictions, the service will be held virtually. Please contact Rose Garden Chapel for details on how to attend.
