Gordon E. Bennett, 88, of Pellston, died March 13, 2019 at Bay Bluffs Medical Care Facility. Gordon was born May 22, 1930, the son of Melvin and Irene (Gere Romine) Bennett. He was a member of the 1949 graduate class of Pellston High School – McKinley Township Unit.
After graduation, Gordon started working for Guardian Service Cookware. It was there that he met the love of his life, Ina Wickham. They were married on January 3, 1951, they shared 68 years of marriage until Ina’s death in January of 2019.
Gordon spent a few years working downstate at Hall Electric until returning back to Northern Michigan. Ina and Gordon made their home in Pellston and he took a job as an assistant manager with McRae’s Lumber in Mackinaw City. Carpentry was a huge part of Gordon’s life.
He built his home, several wooden boats, and countless toys and games for his children. He shared his talent of woodworking to extended family and friends, too. He made cedar chests, shelves and wooden puzzles for many.
Gordon also worked as a maintenance man for Lockwood and Northern Michigan Hospitals until his retirement in 1996. He enjoyed helping on the family farm, fishing, gardening and doing puzzles. Gordon liked to solve Rubix cubes, play Poker on the computer, Rummy, Cribbage and any other puzzles to keep his mind active.
His children fondly remember all the lessons that their dad taught them. He would flip boats over on the lake to teach them how to float and rescue themselves. He would have them count up their own points during card games to help with their math skills.
Gordon was a very thoughtful and loving dad and Grandpa. Gordon is survived by his children, Al Bennett of Charlevoix, Thelma Jurek of Pellston, Dale (Patricia) Bennett of West Chapel, FL. .
Kathy Bennett of Indian River, Sheila (Jim) Melke of Charlevoix; 15 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and nephews, Marvin (Jean Ann), Harold (Pansey) and Dennis (Alice) Blumke. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ina; daughters, Rita Yarch and Ruby Lechowicz; granddaughter, Melissa Bennett; son-in-law, Eugene Jurek; and sister Edith (Delbert) Blumke. There will be a memorial service for Gordon, at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey, on May 17, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends for an hour prior to the service.
Pastor Dave Horton will officiate. Following the service, Ina and Gordon will be laid to rest together at the McKinley Township Cemetery. Friends and family wishing to make a charitable donation in memory of Gordon are asked to please consider the Emmet County Friendship Center.
Gordon and Ina made countless friends through the Friendship Center in Pellston, their Friday night fish-fry dates will be deeply missed. Donations may be made to: Friendship Centers of Emmet County 1322 Anderson Rd.
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