Benji E. Grubel of Fitchburg passed away after fighting a long illness with complications due to Diabetes Wednesday December 4, 2024.
Born on August 8, 1956, to the late Arnold Grubel and Dorothy (Boomer) Grubel. He attended Eagle River High School (WI) and the University of Wisconsin – Stout. He started his career as a manager of Foot Locker, which gave him the opportunity to open a store in Leominster, Massachusetts.
He would later work for Radio Shack and Air Compressor Builders before landing at The Hope Group where he worked as a Fluid Connector Specialist for the past 27 years.
Growing up in Land O’ Lakes Wisconsin, he was an avid sportsman with his father, volunteering his time as a youth baseball coach. He also played football but had three older and much bigger brothers that he used to laugh about trying to keep up with, but always claimed he was the fastest. He was closest in age to his youngest sibling, his sister Barbara, the dancer of the family.
Outside of sports, Benji and his brothers developed a love of the outdoors between hunting, fishing, and hiking. His family owned a restaurant and pub in the small town he grew up in. Following strong traditions, every year on the fourth of July his family would dress up as clowns in the annual fourth of July parade.
Benji was best known for his unwavering support and caring nature to family and friends. Whenever Grampy Thompson called him for something, from cutting the lawn to removing snow, he would always be there.
He was a lover of all things sports – a participant, as well as an enthusiastic spectator. He played softball and sports well into his forties and met his best friends during that time in his life. He loved his hometown sports teams – the Green Bay Packers were his favorite, but he developed a soft spot for the New England Patriots after spending his adult life in Massachusetts.
Having strong roots in outdoor activities from his childhood, Benji knew he needed a hunting companion. This led him to meet his true best friend, an English Setter he named Micky.
This competitive nature led him to openly challenge anyone daring enough to his favorite board game – cribbage. Benji will be remembered for being the family cook at most family cookouts - no one could match his marinated chicken. He took tremendous pride in his preparation and cooking techniques.
Like his father before him, Benji took up coaching baseball, Basketball, and especially youth football, where he coached his son and eventually, they coached pop warner together. Later in life, he was a cheerleader at his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. Benji’s greatest loves were his children and grandchildren. He couldn’t help himself from praising his children to anyone that would listen. Lastly, he had what some might say the largest hat collection of anyone they knew.
His love will live on inside of us for eternity.
He was preceded by his brother, Keith Grubel.
Benji is survived by his two children, Christopher Grubel, (Bea Lee), and Jennifer Thompson. His four grandchildren, Kayla Yang, Kianya Yang, Kayden Yang and his newest grandson, Kallum Grubel. He is also survived by his two brothers, Arnold (Patricia) Grubel, Jerry (Margret "Peggy") Grubel, and his sister, Barbara Grubel.
He was married to Carol Grubel for 25 years. He also has many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was blessed with a large circle of family and friends and loved them all deeply.
Benji's Funeral was held Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Richardson Funeral Home in Leominster. He will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin. Online condolences can be made at richardsonfuneralhome.net PAID OBITUARY
