Bennie Trujillo

Bennie Trujillo, 96, of Denver passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on April 18, 2022. The oldest of 7 children, Bennie was born on August 14, 1925 to Ventura Trujillo and Anita Gonzalez in Watrous, New Mexico. He married his childhood sweetheart, Louise Archuleta, on October 12, 1946. A generous, faithful, humble, and loving man, Bennie leaves a legacy of dedication and courage.

Growing up in rural New Mexico, Bennie’s cultivating spirit was shaped while living with his grandmother in a 2-room adobe home. There he learned to nourish their garden, home, and others, helping all to grow and reach their potential. At 14, Bennie’s father died in a work accident during the Great Depression. To support his widowed mother and 6 siblings, Bennie joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He served as a cook’s assistant, rising every morning before dawn to fix over 100 lunches for the CCC workers. In addition, at the end of each work day, in order to help others stay in touch with their loved ones, Bennie would assist them in writing letters to family members.

At the outbreak of World War II, Bennie again showed dedication to his family and loyalty to his country, lying about his age so he could join the Army as a combat medic. While attending to his wounded and dying comrades, Bennie lost a leg as a result of multiple injuries sustained during the Battle of the Bulge. Yet, he never let his disability prevent him from doing things he wanted to do such as pursuing a vocation, which would serve him throughout his life, starting a family with his lovely Louise, and purchasing their first home. It was during this time that Bennie traded his military uniform for one of a Boy Scout troop leader and moved beyond the ugliness of armed conflict into the beauty of jewelry. He became a watchmaker and a gemologist and managed Zales Jewelry stores until his retirement 47 years later. During those years he faithfully supported his family while also helping to shape the community in which he lived and worked.

Though small in stature, Bennie was hardworking and strong in spirit, persevering, and caring. He was known for his generosity and for taking care of others in ways that inspired them to take care of each other. He loved to learn - - from making watches, to building garden whirligigs, to navigating those newfangled computers. Every year Bennie anticipated spring when he could be outside working in his vegetable garden of tomatoes, jalapenos, cucumbers and the like. He loved to cook and was always eager to share recipes of the most delicious green and red chile! And even though Bennie’s home was Denver, he proudly maintained his New Mexico roots and frequently entertained others with his often-humorous tales of growing up in his hometown. Bennie was a brilliant example of what it means to be a decent person, and he modeled what a husband/father/grandfather/friend should be: loving and mentoring his family, persevering over significant challenges, and nurturing others.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, his son Benjamin, sister Dora, and brother Marcelino. He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Louise, who never left his side, daughter Julie (Jim), son Patrick (Virginia), grandchildren Tonya (Chris), Kristina (Brian), Michael (Kim), Alicia (Doug), Cindy (Eric). Bill (Kelsey), and 7 great grandchildren (Addison, Lilly, Logan, Bennett, Heather, Cory, and Ashley) and one great-great grandson (Jeryl). He also is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his sisters Josephine (Dee), Marie, Stella, Sister Mary Marcianna, sisters-in law Mollie, Bee, and Elsie, and numerous nephews and nieces, in particular his very special niece Mary.

Bennie treasured his country, community, and most of all his family and many friends. To them he was a pillar of strength, compassion, hard work, and above all patriotism. His wings were ready, but our hearts were not. Bennie will be forever greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Voces Oral History Center, Moody College of Communication, University of Texas at Austin, https://voces.lib.utexas.edu/.

A visitation for Bennie will be held Thursday, April 28, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 29, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231. A graveside service will occur Friday, April 29, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231. A reception will occur Friday, April 29, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231, the family asks respectfully that all attending the reception for the safety of others please wear a face mask.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Trujillo family.