Gerald Sidney “Jerry” Bennett, age 86 of River Falls and Clayton, WI, passed away October 22, 2019 at Kinnic Health and Rehab in River Falls, WI. Gerald was born December 12, 1932 in Minneapolis, MN to Sid and Irene (Holmquist) Bennett. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Jerry was united in marriage on October 6, 1962 to Kathleen Ann Mack at St. Bridget Catholic Church. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Holly and Richard, and 57 years of devotion. Jerry grew up with a strong work ethic and farmed for most of his lifetime. He operated his own business, Jerry’s Grinding Service, traveling to local farms to grind their grain harvest. He also was a bulk fuel deliveryman for Cenex for 20 years. Jerry was a member of the Moon Lake Threshermen’s Association. He always looked forward to being a part of the Threshing Bee each year, where he and his family would operate the stone ground flour mill.
Jerry appreciated nature and being outdoors, and found peacefulness while camping, spending time at the family cabin, and bird watching. He enjoyed being in the woods hunting and on the lake fishing. He was an avid bowler and was a part of a league for many years. He was a talented and meticulous wood worker, making many beautiful furniture pieces for his family and friends. Jerry was an impressive handyman and always graciously willing to lend a hand and help others. He delighted in a good game of cards, especially the Euchre, Smear, and Dirty Clubs, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, the River Falls Fletcher-Pechacek American Legion Post 121, and the Turtle Lake Howard Donalds-Richard Hylkema American Legion Post 137. Gerald was a quiet and humble man, who loved his family well and will be dearly missed.
Jerry will remain in the hearts of his loving wife, Kathleen; daughter, Holly (Jim) Yanish; son, Richard (Beth) Bennett; grandson, David (fiancé Helena) Yanish; step granddaughter, Amber (Garrett) Peterson; 2 step great-grandchildren, Cameron and Nolan; brothers, Keith (Rita) Bennett and Willard (Bonnie) Bennett; sister, Joanne Tyznik; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sid and Irene Bennett; sisters, Lois (Clarence) Wussler and Maxine (Bill) Hoven; and brother-in-law, Henry Tyznik.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place 2:00 PM Friday, October 25, 2019 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 211 E. Division St., River Falls, with Fr. Richard Rhinehart officiating. A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place beginning at 12:00 Noon until the start of Mass. Interment with military honors provided by the River Falls Fletcher-Pechacek American Legion Post 121 will take place at St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery.
Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls (715) 425-5644.
