K.D. Bennett

Kenneth D. Bennett
1923 — 2014
Kenneth D. Bennett, 90 of Elgin, NE, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2014 at The Waterford at Roxbury Park Assisted Living in Omaha, NE.
Funeral services are 11:00 am Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Elgin, NE, with Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Interment will follow at West Cedar Valley Cemetery in Elgin, NE with Military Rites by American Legion Post #229/VFW Post #5816. Visitation was held Tuesday, at Huffman-Levander Funeral Home in Elgin, NE with Masonic Rites by Diamond Lodge #291 A.M. and F.M. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.huffmanlevander.com
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Kenneth Dale Bennett, son of William Harrison and Alma Johanna (Peterson) Bennett, was born July 27, 1923 at Elgin, NE. He lived in the Elgin-Neligh area most of his childhood, except for a short time spent in Oregon in the mid 1930’s. After his mother’s passing in 1935, the family moved to Elgin where he attended Elgin Public Schools, graduating in 1941. He enlisted in the US Navy in July of 1941 and served six years, 18 months on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger.
On March 23, 1947, Kenneth married Jerrene Joyce Jillson at the Presbyterian Church in Elgin, NE. The couple lived near Pensacola, FL for the last five months of Kenneth’s naval service, before returning to Elgin, NE where he worked as a welder at Bennett Implement for six years, after which he accepted a position as an agent for Mobil Oil Company in Elgin.
He worked for Mobil for 30 years before it was purchased by Kumm Gas Co. in 1984, and continued working for them until retirement.
He continued living in Elgin until his health required him to move to the Samaritan Estates Assisted Living in Albion, NE, and later, to The Waterford at Roxbury Park Assisted Living in Omaha, NE in March 2014.
Kenneth was active in the Elgin community, serving on city council, Elgin Volunteer Fire Dept. for 35 years, and West Cedar Valley Cemetery Board. He served time as Mayor of Elgin, Elgin Fire Chief, President of West Cedar Valley Cemetery Association, board member of Antelope Country Club, and master of the Masonic Lodgers in Elgin and Neligh. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner, current member of Diamond Lodge #291 A.M. and F.M., and a member of American Legion Post #229 and VFW Post #5816 of Elgin. He enjoyed golfing, shooting trap and black powder, competing many times at the Cornhusker State Games and other competitions. He loved his family and enjoyed sharing his hobbies and interests with his children and grandchildren.
Kenneth is survived by two sons: William P. Bennett, Sr. and wife JoAnne of Papillion, NE; Michael Bennett and wife Peggy of Kennesaw, GA; six grandchildren: Courtney S. (Schyler) Fricke; William “Paul” Bennett Jr. (wife Allison); Whitney A. Bennett and fiancé Nathan Arnold; Matthew H. Bennett; Michelle (Bryan) Howley; Christopher Bennett; three great-grandchildren: Brooklynn N. Howley, Joshua K. Nicholas Schyler Fricke, and ; his sister: Charlotte Schumacher of Wabasha, MN; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 64 years, Jerrene in 2011.