George Bennett Sr.'s Obituary
George Bennett, age 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 15.
He was born March 27, 1926, and lived in the Spring Lake area most of his life. He graduated from Grand Haven High School and later attended Michigan State University. He married Lois Floriano on June 28th, 1952, in Hermansville, MI. George retired from Cannon Muskegon after 30 years of employment.
George served his country in the U.S. Army as a bombardier during World War II. He has been a member of the American Legion Post 28 in Grand Haven for 46 years where he was a member of the honor guard, served as post chaplain, assisted in setting the flags out for holidays, and assisted in many holiday celebrations especially Thanksgiving dinners. He loved taking part in the Memorial Day Parade and Program in Grand Haven each year having served as Grand Marshall several years. He was instrumental in getting the World War I Monument relocated from in front of the courthouse on Washington Street to Central Park in Grand Haven where it was rededicated in 2005. He was on the Spring Lake Township Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals for 39 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Spring Lake having joined in 1952 being active in a variety of activities. He was a Fourth Degree Knight and a member of Bishop Frederick Baraga Assembly #474 in Muskegon Michigan where he served as the Faithful Navigator.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas B. Bennett and Elsa K (Koelbel) Bennett; brothers, Thomas and Robert; sisters: Alice, Sarah Jane, and Sr. Elsa Mary. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois. Four children, Christine (Michael) Jurrians of Wyoming, George Jr. (Rose) Bennett of Spring Lake, Melissa (David) Rudy of Holland, and Peter (Julia) Bennett of Grand Haven. Six grandchildren: Jessica, Brian, Kevin, Sarah, Alexander, and James. Four great-grandchildren, Cooper, Nora, Edward and Myles. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Anne Floriano and many nieces and nephews.
George was a man of quiet strength, tender heart, confident in his convictions and his faith in God. He lived his life like there was no tomorrow.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM Thursday, March 18, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake with Father David Gross officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Due to COVID 19 restrictions masks and social distancing will be required at the visitation and service. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of George may be given to Kindred Hospice. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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