Gary D. Bennett
November 18, 1951 ~ November 17, 2023
Age 71 + 364 days of Wyoming. Passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2023. He was a loving partner, father, grandpa and brother. He was known by many names: Gary, Dad, Beno, Papa Gary, Gilly, brother, Uncle, teammate and friend.
He is preceded in death by parents, J.C. & Dorothy; siblings, Bud, Lloyd, Darlene (Dwayne) Engler, Lola (Joe) Peterson, Elroy. Survived by loving partner, Sue Stene; children, Jeffrey, Dani (Cam) Bennett-Danek; their mother, Sandy (Denny) Keogh; son-in-law, Brian Teuber; Sue’s children, Eric Stene, Steven (Jessica) Stene, Kevin (Jessica) Stene, Melissa Stene; grandchildren, Tyler, Ryan, Mark, Brie, Nora, Collin, Joey, Gavin, Elise, Ryan, Julia, Collin, Aiden, Keira; sister, Elvera (Larry) O’Neal; sisters-in-law, Marion Lentz, Charletta, Sharon; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, teammates & friends.
Gary grew up in Slayton, MN and would later move to the Twin Cities, eventually residing in Circle Pines and then Wyoming. He was a selfless person, who always put his family and others first. Gary rarely missed any of his kids’ or grandkids' sporting events. The biggest passion of Gary’s life was softball. He played 4 days a week and nearly every weekend. He was a 3+ time world champion and played into his 70’s. Gary hated golf but loved to play and played as much as he could when softball allowed.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be at 2 PM Saturday, December 9th with visitation beginning at 12 PM at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake.
The service will be livestreamed here
Bennett the Boater ~
When Gary started his campaign for a Houseboat trip to Lake Powell, we didn’t know much about this place in Southern Utah’s scenic desert. Still, we were “experienced” (ha) house boaters, so 7 of us piled into our motorhome, towing his boat loaded with gear and beer. We’d heard Utah was a dry state??? We struggled cresting the Rockies in Colorado, but flew down the other side, and into Bullfrog Marina.
We were blessed with a warm, sunny October week. With the houseboat as base camp, we cruised the sparkling waters exploring the narrow sandstone coves and arches with the small boat, we fished, we hiked the canyons and had evening bonfires ashore.
On board we admired the colorful red-rock canyon views, devoured fresh houseboat-baked bread, and marveled at zillions of bright stars overhead at night. Thanks for the memory, Gary!
Rog & Barb E
I send my love and condolences to all who came to celebrate Gary’s life. May God grant Gary a beautiful rest as we all await Christ. Peace and Love.
We have so many great memories of times spent with Gary. We met him through the snowmobile club and became good friends. We have memories of boating on the Mississippi, 4th of July camping with our families, houseboat trips on lake Vermillion and the Mississippi, annual Christmas dinner ending with driving around looking at lights, super bowl parties, deer hunting weekends and so much more. He was always full of fun and generous of time and talent. He loved his family and was so proud of everyone. He has left us too soon and will be missed.
Our sympathy And love goes out to all his family.
❤️ Steve & Linda
Our deepest condolences to Gary’s entire family. May your memories of Gary help you through this difficult time. Our Love,
With Love,
Slayton “Wildcats” – Class of 1969
I will miss you my friend. Touch ’em all, Gary Bennett. Touch ’em all!