Celebrate Greg Bambenek's Adventurous Spirit

Instead of flowers, memorials are preferred to this memorial fund to erect a bench in Greg Bambenek's memory somewhere along the North Shore.

Gregory "Greg" Peter Bambenek, 77, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Essentia Health, St. Mary’s Hospital.

He was born in Winona, MN, on December 24, 1947, son of Hubert “Hub” and Evelyn Bambenek.

Raised in the heart of Winona, Greg graduated from Winona Senior High School and earned his Bachelor's degree at Beloit College in Beloit, WI. Greg received his Medical Degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Greg practiced psychiatry for over 50 years. He was Medical Director of Mash-Ka-Wisen for 47 years, also worked at several area clinics, as well as in private practice.

Greg was also the inventor, creator, and face of "Dr. Juice" fishing products. He created a long line of scents to help anglers hook their biggest catch.

To say Greg was an avid outdoorsman is an understatement; he dedicated his life to adventure in the outdoors. From a young age, his father, Hub, instilled the sense of adventure that Greg carried from the backwaters of the Mississippi to the jungles in Central America. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, trapping, gardening, inventing, and exploring. Greg not only enjoyed his adventures, but he found true joy in sharing his adventures with the ones he loved. Greg was known to tell a great story, always inviting folks to share in his adventures, and he was an incredible teacher. He passed this adventurous spirit onto his children, who have all become great explorers of the world in their own ways. Greg was known to have a home that anyone could enter and feel welcome. He would usually greet you with delicious homemade food, a drink, and good conversation.

Greg was preceded in death by his loving parents and brother Paul Bambenek.

Greg is survived by his children Jacob Tout, Parker (Ashley) Bambenek, Connor (Amy) Bambenek, and Cadence Bambenek; grandchildren Michael and McKenzie Tout and their mother Tammy, Rowan and Henry, and one more grandchild on the way; sister-in-law Mary Bambenek; niece Cait (Brian Huegel) Bambenek; and sister Marla Bambenek.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 1 PM until the 3 PM Memorial Service in Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St., Duluth, MN 55805.