Bentura Mario Varela

life story

A Youthful Spirit

He was a funny, athletic guy able to make many friends. He was also full of confidence and what he called "the Varela charm" that caused a wake of swooning hearts throughout his years.

A favorite quote and confidence booster he would liked to say "Don't forget to strut your stuff." This would then be followed by a string of photo opt poses that could make anyone smile.

About Bentura Mario Varela

Words truly cannot speak to whom Ben was.

Ben earned excellent grades effortlessly, having the ability to breeze through high level college courses while everyone else had to do homework for hours upon hours, studying fiercely.

During his last year of college he lovingly welcomed his daughter into the world. Excited to share many adventures together, he got started by teaching her how to tie her shoes early, then how to ride a bike so they could go to Harriet Island, one of his favorite places to visit. He took her camping, fishing, cave exploring, and even got her a telescope to better see the stars.

Don’t forget his great love of dogs! Fiera, Reina, Perla, and Lucia who were often referred to as his daughters' sisters. He would take them everywhere with him and tenderly cared for his dogs as they aged or got sick. He went to great lengths and sacrificed much personal time caring for his dogs due to his great loving heart.

Not only a brilliant student, loving father, and great dog dad but also an excellent mechanic, craftsman and builder. Anything you’d need help with on your car: transmission, tank leak, bad rotors, alternator going out, you name it he could fix it! His handy work didn’t stop there. No home improvement project was too big or too complicated for him to accomplish. Like transforming an old boiler heating system to updated forced heating. Gifted beyond measure in both book smarts and trades smarts, Ben was a natural who learned rapidly. On top of everything he was an incredibly good looking man with thick hair, gorgeous eyelashes, and a charming smile.

Handsome and helpful, he did not hesitate to lend a hand to those in need. Whether it was helping you move, fix your car, taking you to your appointment, or repairing your home, it was automatic for Ben to give of himself freely to those he loved. If you were lucky to receive his aid, he always did a great job on every task at hand. He went even further to give shelter and share his home with those in need during times of crisis.

Even as a single father, he’d also look out in caring love, over his extended family. Always making sure they had what they needed and demonstrated great concern over nieces and nephews. He was sure to take them on as many outings and adventures, making sure to create lots of happy family memories for everyone. Add to that, his never ending love for his mother is something the Varela family is highly proud of. With the passing of his father, Ben immediately stepped up without hesitation and used his skills to ensure the family home was well cared for. Everything that needed repair or improvement, he got it done. The list grew over the decades, ensuring his mother’s home was maintained. As well as caring for the house, he was a wonderful loving caregiver to his mother, always making sure she had healthy home cooked meals.

Ben even went on to be a 2nd generation landowner. As a young adult and single parent he took on the major responsibility of home ownership, purchasing and owning one of the family homes. With his love of the old and beautiful he did everything he could to restore and improve the magnificent property. He often generously shared his incredible Saint Paul city views through BBQs and other small gatherings. A great man, a first generation Mexican-American son to his Mexican immigrant parents, Ben truly upheld the many qualities his family taught. If you were lucky, you not only enjoyed the impeccable view but also his loving nature.

Thank You, Ben for all these loving memories. Until we meet again….

—

After Glow

I’d like the memory of me

to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an after glow

of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times

and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry before the sun

Of happy memories

that I leave when life is done.

memorial service

Memorial Service

August 20, 2022

Our Lady of Guadalupe Diocesan Shrine 401 Concord St, St Paul, MN 55107, USA

Rosary begins promptly at 9 AM

Followed by Mass at 9:30 AM

Then proceed to Kelley's Landing at Harriet Island for Reception

memorial service

Celebration of Life

August 20, 2022

Harriet Island Regional Park 200 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd, St Paul, MN 55107, USA

Reception will be from 11:30am - 5pm.

Food will be provided by Boca Chica.