Ben Walter Bielski Jr.

Ben Walter Bielski, Jr., 73, of Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City with his son at his side.

He was born March 18, 1953, in Calumet City, Illinois, the son of the late Ben Walter Bielski, Sr. and Loretta Emily (Stachelski) Bielski.

Ben completed his bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Indiana and furthered his accounting education at DePaul University.

After moving to Jefferson City, he went to work for Modern Business Systems.  He cherished that time and the friendships he made.  Over the past 35 years, Ben built and served as President of Metal Culverts, Inc., which now operates with eight different manufacturing and distribution plants, from Florida to Minnesota.  His company is one of the largest manufacturers of culvert pipe in the U.S.  In the last few years, Ben was preparing his son to continue the company’s legacy he had worked tirelessly to build.  It was important that the Metal Culverts’ family continue to grow with integrity and hard work.

A member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Ben expressed his faith through his church attendance and in his commitments with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and Vitae Foundation.  Ben was a selfless man with a giving heart, often sharing his time and giving to those in need.

He was genuinely full of life, and his passion for storytelling illuminated the lives of those around him.  Ben cared deeply about his community, evident from his diligent volunteer work with the St. Mary’s Health Center Board of Directors, the National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association, Boy Scouts, Operation Bugle Boy, and his dedication to officiating local high school football games.

An avid outdoorsman, Ben enjoyed golfing, spending time with his son, whether they were traveling to visit family, hunting, or the two of them taking extended fishing trips with their closest friends.  Most often, you could find them together in front of the TV, cheering on the Cubbies and the Bears — their beloved Chicago teams.  His Polish heritage often shone through in his love for Polish food and his love for cooking anything paired with the jalapenos from his garden.  At any party, he was the one offering a good cigar to anyone willing to join him.  Ben’s musical talent mirrored his vibrant personality; he loved music and playing his guitar.

Survivors include his son, Ben W. Bielski, III of Jefferson City; two siblings, Nancy Bielski, Crown Point, IN; Bob (Sharon) Bielski, Zionsville, IN; nieces and nephews, Leslie (Dan) Rebnord, Jacob Bielski, David Bielski, Rachel (Peter Walsh) Bielski, Emily Bielski; and one great nephew, Caleb.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City with a prayer service at 3:15 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with the Rev. Msgr. Robert A. Kurwicki, V.G. officiating.  A reception will follow Mass in Cana Hall where “Ben Style” stories will be encouraged to be shared.  Burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL.

Memorials are suggested to Operation Bugle Boy.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.    trimblefunerals.com