"Chris was there to help my patients and me many times. He went above and beyond to ease tension during stressful times for those who were ill and suffering. He also took care of me as a patient. I always felt lucky when I got him to be my transporter! I'm sending my condolences to his family and friends. He will be forever missed! "
In loving memory of
Christopher Bennick
November 29, 1969 - October 13, 2017
Christopher Alan Bennick, 47, of Rochester, died on Friday, October 13, 2017. He went to be with his Heavenly Father, passing away peacefully after a short stay at Seasons Hospice House with his family by his side after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Chris was born November 29, 1969 in Virginia, MN to Ronald and Kathleen (Baty) Bennick. He was a 1988 graduate of Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School and went on to receive an Associate degree in Science of Computer Drafting and Design from Hibbing Community College in 1990. On October 17, 1992, Chris married the love of his life, Virginia Roivanen in Britt, MN. Chris and Virginia moved to Rochester in 1991, Chris worked briefly as a computer aided drafter. In 1995 he began working at Saint Marys Hospital as a phlebotomist and later as a patient transporter. He loved building models, working on cars, watching movies, downhill skiing, boating, fishing, golfing and bowling. Chris also enjoyed baking, sewing and video games. He had a passion for music, owning a collection of over 3000 vinyl albums. He always had a smile on his face and a friendly joke to share. Chris was known for his positive attitude, his generous heart and his humorous, outgoing personality and most of all his love for his Lord and Savior.
Chris is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Virginia; daughters, Katrina Bennick, Lindsey (Jacob) Charlton all of Rochester; mother and step-father, Kathie and Rick Karolczak; siblings, Rachael Karolczak, Caitlin Karolczak, Ira Karolczak; 8 nieces and nephews; father-in-law, Richard Roivanen, and a host of other family and friends. Chris is preceded in death by his father, Ronald Bennick; mother-in-law, Jean Roivanen and his grandparents.
A celebration service of Chris's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 20, 2017 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Pastor Kenneth Burget will be officiating. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Didn't know Chris that well, but he always had a smile to share, either with staff or patients. I'm sorry for your loss. I know his presence touched thousands of people and will be missed. Sincerely, Liz, Mayo employee"
"My heartfelt condolences to you Ginny and girls... I always looked forward to any gathering where I knew Chris would be attending because it was so much fun to talk with him. I think he drew people to himself because of his super positive personality and character... he was always himself and never tried to be otherwise. He was genuine and real... and made me want to be a better person. Looking forward to seeing him again on this earth when we are all together again."
"My prayers to Chris's family. I did not know him personally, but every single time I'd run into him at St.Mary's he had a big smile and a positive attitude to share with everyone. I know he made patients' days brighter when he'd transport them! So sorry for your loss. He was a blessing to so many!"
"Chris was a wonderful man. I knew him in high school. He always had a hello for me in the hallway. He will truly be missed"
"To the family, may memories made bring you comfort at this very difficult time, chris was a shining star at SMH, always a smile and positive energy, he will be greatly missed, he's forever an angel and free from the struggle, thoughts and prayers to you all. Amy Baltzer, cpht St Mary's outpatient pharmacy "
"My deepest sympathy to family and loved ones of Chris--he was always a bright ray of sunshine at work. His calm, kind demeanor was soothing to patients/staff, and he was such a nice person. He will be missed. "
"Chris was one of the nicest men I have ever worked with heaven certainly gained an angel"
"my sincerest and deepest condolences to Virginia, the girls and all of Chris' family and friends. I never knew Chris personally but based on everyone's tributes it sounds veryy much like it was my loss. I feel for those he left here and wish them God's peace as they come to terms with his departure. Praying for peace and comfort for you all at thias difficult time"
"I am so very sorry to hear about Chris. I knew him as a friend from St. Marys and he was a good friend of my dog, Jack, prior to our retirement in 2013. Chris found each day a blessing and had a beautiful way of putting life in perspective. He loved his family and spoke often of them to me. My day was always better when I saw Chris. He spoke openly of his brain tumor and his determination to fight it to the end. A most remarkable man with courage we could only hope for if we were in his situation. He lived each day to the fullest and loved his family and friends who gave him such happiness. His family now has a guardian angel watching over them. I am honored to have known him and call him my friend. Marcia Fritzmeier"
"Condolences to Chris' family and friends. I worked at St. Mary's and like many was always welcomed by a smile and a kind word whenever I encountered Chris. He truly enjoyed providing his services to those in need. I lost my Father in September to a brain tumor as well. I pray for peace and comfort for his family during this difficult time.
Kari Dowsley "
"I'm so sad to see Chris has passed. He was such a bright spot in many peoples lives. I know he fought a hard battle but had a wonderful outlook on his shortened life. My deepest sympathy. "
"I always loved seeing Chris come to our unit to pick up patients. He would always take time to get to know the patients and helped to brighten their days. We often would discuss Star Wars or sports when he came to the floor. I am so sorry for your loss but want to let you know How much we loved getting to know him over the years. "
"I am so so sorry for your loss of Chris? Working as a nurse at St.Marys, I so appreciated him as a Patient transporter. He was so kind, patient, and helpful. I enjoyed discussing different musicians with him! He knew his music!! Especially remember him telling me all about Lynryd Skynyrd. You have my deepest sympathy and will keep you all in my prayers."
"I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. Chris was such a wonderful man and I feel blessed to have been able to have known him. He was sweet and funny and brightened everyone's day, he will be missed by everyone."
"So sorry for your loss. Chris was such a special guy. He was kind to those he transported to and from test or procedures, and always ready to lend a helping hand to any in need. He will be greatly missed. "
"I am so sorry for your loss of Chris...I remember Chris so well working at SMHand Mayo for years as he was a brighter to one's day as he transported patients to and from our Echo Lab. His warm smile and gentle words of kindness to our patients and us created a bright spot to our days! Chris will be missed immensely...Vicky Stussy (former RN sonographer of the Echo Lab)"
"Chris was such an amazing man. Always smiling, telling a joke or two and making people at ease and that everything will be okay. I knew Chris from working at St. Mary's Hospital and always loved when Chris would come to the desk to sign a patient out, he always shared a smile and his witty sense of humor. He loved his job and always went the extra mile for the patients he transported. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. "
"Chris always brought people to where they needed to be, so they could heal. His days were spent with strangers, his steps would equal into miles and his role in transport meant no one traveled alone. Chris took a call where we can't go (now) but his final call brought him to a place of healing. "
"My heart is broke hearing of the passing of Chris. He was such a huge part of my children's lives growing up at the Batys. He will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers are sent to you and his family. When someone you love becomes a memory the memory becomes a treasure. We will all treasure Chris's memory. Cynthia"
"We'll miss seeing Chris working in the yard and garage and visiting with him. Our deepest sympathy to Virginia and the girls!"