Peter Delbert Bennett's Obituary
Peter Delbert Bennett, age 67, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, February 5, 2025. He was born October 3, 1957, in Muskegon to Lemuel and Hildegard (Werner) Bennett. On August 18, 1979, he married the love of his life, Patricia. They enjoyed 45 years together starting out in South Dakota.
After high school, Pete worked various part-time jobs to continue his education at Muskegon Community College where he met his wife Patty in German class. He continued working to pay his way through college and graduated from the University of Michigan. He then went on to earn his Masters in school psychology at Central Michigan University. He worked for Whitehall Schools for over 20 years. Pete and Patty moved to Niles, Michigan where he earned another masters and finished his career as a Special Education Supervisor and then Director of Special Education at Cassopolis Public Schools.
Pete was a talented musician. He learned to play the viola in 4th grade and played in the Youth Symphony and later in the West Shore Symphony Orchestra. Later he picked up the guitar and loved playing and singing wherever he went, around the campfire with family, at local open mic nights, and collaborating with other musicians all around West Michigan. He played in the band Shades of Blue and was booked as a staple solo act at the Book Nook and Fetch.
Pete was the rock of his family. He meant the world to his daughters, inspiring and offering them unconditional encouragement, support and love. His favorite promotion was becoming a Papa to his three granddaughters. He loved watching them grow and explore new talents. He was funny and witty. We will miss his silly sense of humor followed by the warmest embrace.
He always found time to help his mother and siblings in any way he could. You could often find him helping re-roof and re-side houses, plant trees, or fix cars. He was an amateur carpenter as he remodeled two houses because Patty asked him to (then realized he shouldn’t ask again). He built a two-tiered deck with pergola after reading how to do it at the library.
He was an enthusiastic golfer and a determined car mechanic. He was thoughtful and well-spoken. He had a drive to seek out information and put it to use. His daughters lovingly called him a "Renaissance man" because of his endless skills and knowledge on many topics.
He also had a passion and talent for mentoring and helping all people. He understood people and he loved offering support and encouragement in helping them live the life they wanted. He served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore and recruited his family members to bowl on a fundraising team. Great times! He also organized and directed the Whitehall Community Orchestra. He was active in community organizations focused on human rights, equality and justice.
SURVIVORS include his wife, Patricia; two daughters: Erin Marie (James) Gilbert of Chicago and Alison Rae Bennett and family friend Jon Taylor of Grand Rapids; three grandchildren: Adrianna Elizabeth Gilbert, Lydia Marie Gilbert, and Hadley Jane Gilbert; his mother, Hildegard Bennett of Muskegon; brother and sisters: Linda (Don) Swenor, Marion Marquardt, and Thomas “Tom” (Theresa) Bennett; in-laws: Gail (Tom) Hunter, Mike (Tammy) Dasbach, Steven (Peggy) Dasbach, Paul (Tina) Dasbach, and Mary Ellen (Mike) Thompson; and many nieces and nephews. Pete was preceded in death by his father, Lemuel Bennett; brother, Richard Bennett; and brother-in-law, John Marquardt.
A Memorial Gathering for Pete will be held from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100, with a Time of Sharing held at 3:00 PM. MEMORIALS to Walk the Beat (www.walkthebeat.org/whitelake) will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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