Benjamin Isiah 'Benno' Kleimola

DULUTH, Minn. — Benjamin Isiah “Benno” Kleimola died expectedly on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, in St. Mary’s Hospice in Duluth, of terminal illness. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Ben was born July 18, 1986, in Ironwood, Mich., to his mother, Joann (Pelkola) Niemi, and father, the late Walter Kleimola.

He is survived by his mother, Joann Niemi; brother, William Kleimola; sister, Ellie Niemi; and girlfriend, Katie Martinez.

Benny was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many outdoor activities. They ranged from fishing, hunting deer, running bear and chopping firewood for his family and friends. He enjoyed musky fishing with his brother, but especially trout fishing on the Montreal River. He was also very proud to say he caught the largest brook trout between the two of them at 15 1/2 inches. He loved to play fetch and cuddle with the family dog, Roxanne. He also enjoyed music and could name any song that played on the radio, along with singing them. He was, on many occasions, called “the human jukebox.” In addition to music, he also loved movies and knew many quotes by heart. He very much enjoyed playing basketball at the Kimball Community Center with his brother, his sister and friends.

Benny graduated from Hurley High School in 2005. He resided in Kimball, Wis., at his childhood home.

Cremation will take place in Duluth.

Funeral services will not be open to the public.

A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.