Obit: Bennett, Merton "Mert" J. (1922 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org    

Surnames: Bennett, Hannawalt, Dorfschmidt, Hendrix, Ruppert, Fenske, Jeske, Brandt

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 04/28/2012

Bennett, Merton "Mert" J. (21 NOV 1922 - 26 APR 2012)

Merton "Mert" J. Bennett, age 89, of Unity, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Ministry St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield. A funeral service will be held at the First United Church of Christ in Colby on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Reverend Bill Wineke will officiate. A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow the service at Colby Memorial Cemetery.

Mert was born November 21, 1922 to Fred and Madge (Hannawalt) Bennett in March Rapids, WI. He received his education at Enterprise County School and Unity High School. Mert was united in marriage to Esther Dorfschmidt on December 16, 1944 in Athens, WI. He owned and operated a farm in the Town of Brighton. 

Mert enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting; going on fishing trips to Canada, and was one of the founding members of the Little Rose Riders Snowmobile Club.

Mert is survived by his grandsons: Dan (Denise) Hendrix of Fond du Lac, Russell (Lori) Hendrix of Oshkosh, Shawn (Theresa) Hendrix of Fond du Lac, and Shane (Scott Weber) Hendrix of Fond du Lac. He is further survived by nine great-grandchildren and his sister, Erva Ruppert of Colby.

Mert is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Esther; his daughter, Joyce Hendrix; his son, Wayne Bennett; and his brother and sisters: Ralph Bennett, Florence Fenske, Edna Jeske, and Pansy Brandt.

The Maurina Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Merton's family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to Dr. John Braxton and his surgical team at Ministry St. Joseph's Hospital.