Barry Benest

Barry Benest, age 77, passed away on January 2, 2026 at home in Maple Grove, MN.

He was born in Brainerd, MN on January 14, 1948 and was proud of the fact that he was delivered by a female doctor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Benest and Marion (Vukovich) Benest.

Barry served four years in the United States Air Force 1968-1972. He was stationed in Taiwan for two years and at his final duty station, Albuquerque, New Mexico for two years.

Barry’s first job as a young man was with Mosquito Control. He still enjoyed talking with the workers in the area every chance he got. His long-term employment was with Limpro, Inc. in Fridley, MN. He was a truck driver for the company and was the face of Limpro as he made his deliveries each day.

Barry enjoyed many activities. His first love was running. He completed 48 marathons, plus many other races in various distances. He was an avid fisherman and spent many hours on the Mississippi River. He also enjoyed hunting, especially pheasants in his later years.

His love for car racing came from spending many years with his father at the local racetracks. Nascar became a weekend ritual.

Barry was a kind and wonderful partner and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survived by his longtime partner, Sally Vanerem, of 23 years. His loving sisters, Jan (Dennis) Lingle, Jane Gordon and Marney (Kent) Pietsch. His stepdaughters, Angela (Steve) Podgorski and Julie (Allan) Zmuda and granddaughter, Alison Podgorski.