Bernhardt “Ben” Edward Garpow, 65, passed away Friday, June 14, surrounded by his loving and devastated family. Ben was born September 21, 1958, in Knox, Indiana to Edward and Essie (Jamieson) Garpow, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1977. On November 10, 1984, Ben married the love of his life, Jackie. They had been planning to renew their vows in honor of their 40th anniversary this year. Together they had three daughters: Jennessa (David) Hunger of Tipp City, OH; Shalena (Kevin) Boesch of Hobart; and Sabrina (Jeff) Riggins of Cairo, GA.
Ben was a hardworking family man, who learned the meaning of work beside his dad at “Ed’s Standard” at the corner of 2 & 30 in Valparaiso when he was just a boy. After graduating high school, he went to work at McGill’s in the bearing division and was one of the few who remained through all the sales of the company. He may have been the last person out the door when the plant finally closed.
Ben had a quick wit and always had a joke to tell. He was an avid Nascar fan and watched nearly every race during racing season. We can be sure he will still be watching races on Sundays from Heaven. If it were possible he’d be enjoying a sausage and pepperoni pizza from his favorite, Greek’s Pizzeria (no brown on the cheese, please.)
But the most important part of Ben’s life was his family. Devoted husband to Jackie, dad to his three girls, and “Papa” to his six grandchildren, Jelena and Eden Riggins, Wyatt and Ava Hunger and Braxton and Braylynn Boesch. He had only begun to enjoy T-ball and baseball games with his grandsons, decorating Easter eggs, carving pumpkins for Halloween, and video chats and summer visits with his Georgia “peaches.”
Ben is also survived by siblings Sharon Jackson of Valparaiso, Deb Butterfield of The Villages, FL, and Bill (Michelle) Garpow of Valparaiso, along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Ben was an organ donor and gave the gift of life and healing to many. In honor of his generosity, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Indiana Donor Network, 3760 Guion Rd., Indianapolis IN 46222.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation Monday, June 17 from 3-6 pm at Moeller Funeral Home in Valparaiso. A Celebration of Life will begin at 6:00 pm.
GUESTBOOK
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you guys. Ben was one of my biggest supporters and I really cared for him tremendously! Life won’t be the same without him. I’m gonna miss his hugs and nice conversations every time he was in town! -Jason Pierce/ JJs lunchbox
I’m truly sorry to hear that Ben has passed. I worked with him for many years and he was one of the hardest workers I’ve known. The tribute to him was very touching. -Ernie Leicht
Ben was a intelligent, passionate, kind and funny man who was very pivotal in my career with Regal as a machinist. I am truly sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person who touched many lives and shared his knowledge with anyone who wanted to pick his brain. The world has truly lost a good man. I am so sorry for your loss. -Joe Auskalnis
My deepest sorrow for you and your family. You will be in my prayers. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 ESV. May He comfort you and wrap His loving arms around you and hold you close. Love you. -Carla Bornemann
Ben was a kind wonderful brother in law to me he was one of the best. We will miss him dearly. GOD HAS A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL. -Florence Gary Struble
Oh my goodness where to begin. I hired in in 73 and am still working in Monticello after the Valpo plant closed. Knew Ben for many years. He was always a character in the many positions he filled at McGill. As an hourly worker and later as a supervisor he was always an old school guy which I related to. “Don’t make me go German on ya” was one of his favorite things to say. He worked hard and that mind never stopped. But above all you always knew he loved his wife and family above everything else. I always heard about the wife and kids and later on we swapped grandkid stories. The cabin in Michigan; his mom’s passing was hard for him. Now they are reunited as we all will be when our time comes. He was definitely work family. A good man. A family man and an old school hard working guy. He is one I will definitely look for when my time comes. As coworkers we go through the many changes, losses and gains that life brings us together as work family. My heartfelt condolences go to Jackie, his daughters and grandkids. -Cindy Peo
I am so sorry to hear about Ben. I worked with Ben for many years. He kept me going when times were tough. My heart goes out to you all. -Susan Rosaschi
Sabrina didn't know your dad personally, but I do know he raised a wonderful daughter so he had to of been a remarkable individual. My heart breaks for you and your family. Love and prayers for all of you. -Robin Mckee
Although I didn't know Ben, I feel like I did through his sister's and Mom, who is no longer with us. I have experienced the qualities he possessed through them and am very sad that the earth has lost a good one. My sincerest condolences to Ben's family, Roni. -Veronica Surprenant
I was very shocked to read about Ben. He was one I could always count on to do what was needed and would always follow through to the end. My condolences go out to the entire family. -Kenneth Coe
You all will forever be in my thoughts. I'm sorry for your loss. You are a amazing family and I wish you all the best. -Carter Garcia
Wow what a beautiful funeral and celebration of life!!As I watch the service and celebration of life for Ben, I seen and heard so many lovely stories. Wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. Jackie and girls honored Ben with grace and dignity. So many personal touches from his favorite ice cream to pictures of all the things and people he loved and cherished. Ben well be dearly missed. But he will live on through his Wife, girls and beautiful grandchildren. God Speed Ben! -Tammie and Les Hicks
As with many others offering prayers and condolences here, I worked with Ben at McGill in Valparaiso for many years. He was a great mentor and friend, certainly work-family in the last couple of years as we worked very closely together. I can confirm he was among the last McGill employees present to close up the Evans Avenue plant. He approached those last working years with grit, determination and grace in the face of a very difficult and emotionally challenging time. I am confident I would not have been able to persevere through it all myself if it wasn’t for Ben. He definitely had his moments of “being German” with me over the years, but I never got the sense that it was personal, as he was always motivated by being the best supporter to his team, and achieving the best outcomes. His passion and dedication for his work, and how he supported his team was apparent every day. That same mentality was ever-present when he talked glowingly about his love for his wife, kids, and grandchildren. I had the pleasure of knowing him more as a friend outside of work over the past two years, and I am heartbroken that he isn’t afforded more time with his family. He relished the opportunity to talk about his kids and grandchildren and beloved wife. My prayers are with you all. -Jake Lieske
