LEAF RIVER – Robert Eugene Bennett, age 95, died peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 at his home in Leaf River. He was born June 14, 1924 in Pine Rock Township, Ogle County, the son of John and Mabel (Stonebraker) Bennett.
He attended Kings High School for 3 years and graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1943. Bob married Doris Cleo Grover at the bride’s home in Chana on March 25, 1945 while on leave from the Navy. The spent over 60 years of marriage together. He entered the Navy on March 9, 1944 during WW 2 and was Honorably discharged as a Seamen First Class USNR on Jan. 11, 1946. Bob was employed at Ogle Service Company for 16 years and was self employed until early 2000’s as a painting contractor.
There probably wasn’t a barn in Ogle county or even surrounding counties that he didn’t touch with a paint brush. He was a lifetime member of the Leaf River American Legion, charter member of the Leaf River Lion’s Club, and a 32nd degree Master Mason. He served as civil defense director of Ogle County for 10 years, and served the Leaf River Fire Dept. for over 50 years as a fireman, chief, and then as a trustee. He also served 10 years with the Leaf River Town Board in various capacities as Police Commissioner, sewer and water commissioner, and street and alley commissioner. Bob also served as a committeeman for the Leaf River Boy Scouts. Bob was very proud of his Farmall Collection and loved his farm.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, his wife Doris in 2005, his son Dennis in 2015, his grandson Dennis James “Jamie” Bennett, is sisters; Harriett, Ruth, and Mary, and brother’s Paul, James, and Carl.
He is survived by his 2 daughters; Joy (Jon) Wirth of Freeport, and Carla (Bradley) Miller of Leaf River, daughter-in-law Joan Bennett of Plainfield, sister Joan (James) Proper of Dixon, and brother Frank (Gail) Bennett of Princeton, 6 grandchildren; Angela (Dave) LoConte, Jill (Ryan) Rissman, Kara (Chris) Sussek, Hannah (Sean) Hosseini, Heidie Miller, and Haylie (Dallas) Evers, 5 great grandchildren Madalynn, Bennet, Allison, Layla, and Cora and a 6th great grandchild will arrive in June, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral service was 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. 7th Street Oregon, with the Rev. Tim Mitchell pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Dixon officiating. Burial followed at the Lightsville Cemetery near Leaf River. A memorial luncheon will follow the graveside service at the Prairie View Golf Course in Byron. Visitation was Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 from 1-4 p.m. at the Funeral Home in Oregon followed by a 4 p.m. Masonic Service. A Memorial fund is established in Bob’s name.
