Paul Hubert Bambenek

1949 - 2024

Paul Hubert Bambenek

November 12, 1949 - December 11, 2024

Paul Hubert Bambenek, 75, of Winona, Minn. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on December 11, 2024.

Arriving into this world on November 12, 1949 in Rochester, Minn., Paul was the second son of the late Hubert and Evelyn (Peterson) Bambenek. Raised in the heart of Winona, Paul graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1968 and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Winona State University in 1972. His early adulthood was filled with travel and exploring a variety of adventurous career paths, which included a stint as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, manufacturing for Hughes Helicopters in Seattle, Washington and the eventual move to continue to work as an electrical engineer for McDonnel Douglas Helicopters in Mesa, Ariz. The opportunity to join his brother to work on the development of fishing scent technology at Osmic Research Co. Lab in Duluth, Minn. brought him back to his home state.

From Duluth, Paul eventually returned to his hometown of Winona where he worked for Whetstone Machine, Inc. and finally settled into a 20+ year career as a mechanical engineer and co-owner of Midwest Metal Products. Paul retired in 2018, which gave him the freedom and flexibility to spend his days at his beloved cabin in Kellogg, feeding the birds, getting his boat out on the Mississippi, enjoying a pour of Dewars, reading non fiction, and taking destination fishing trips.

Paul married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Mary Williams on September 1, 1973. Together they raised their daughter, Caitlin in Winona. The three of them had a treasured family bond and created a life full of unconditional love and adventure.

Paul's true passion has been and always will be the great outdoors. Nature was his first true love from an early age. An avid outdoorsman, Paul spent any spare time on the Mississippi River. Finding creative ways to get outdoors, he fished in all seasons, duck and deer hunted, birdwatched and gathered mushrooms. A multi talented man, Paul was an exceptional watercolor artist and hobby mechanic. Paul enjoyed working in his garage on his prized 1970s Land Cruiser and airboat. You could often catch him cruising in his Jeep, blasting Johnny Cash and Chuck Berry. He also treasured his pets and had a long legacy of Curly Coated Retrievers.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Caitlin (Brian Huegel) of Steamboat Springs, CO; brother, Greg Bambenek; sister, Marla Bambenek; nieces, nephews, many dear friends and loyal pup, Keira.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Hubert Bambenek and mother, Evelyn Bambenek.

A celebration of Paul's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 4th at Hoff Funeral Home in Winona, The family will receive friends from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and then an intimate blessing and service will take place from 3:30 to 4 p.m. at Hoff. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN, which helps ensure future generations will experience the wonder of Bald and Golden Eagles that Paul so loved and treasured.

Paul's gentle spirit, many strengths and talents and genuine kindness will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family with arrangements.