Richard Bennett
March 12, 1939 ~ February 21, 2019
Richard C. Bennett, 79, of Cedar Rapids, died on Thursday, February 21, 2019, surrounded by his family at Northbrook Manor Care Center. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. on Tuesday February 26, 2019, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Philip Thompson. Visitation: 4 - 7 p.m. on Monday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service beginning at 4 p.m. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Patricia; children, Linda (Greg) Horne of Jacksonville, Florida, Rick (Verna) Bennett of Anamosa, David (Lisa) Bennett, Bruce Bennett, and Lisa (Bill) Lyman, all of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Lindsay, Lauren, William, Holly, and Eric; sister, Audrey McGuire of Cedar Rapids; brother, James (Charlesy) Bennett of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Ruth Bennett; and many nieces and nephews.
Richard was born in Cedar Rapids on March 12, 1939, the son of William and Edna (Gerstkamp) Bennett. He graduated from Franklin High School then went on to work 47 years for Longview Fibre as a printer press operator. On February 11, 1961, he married Patricia Barrett.
He loved working in his gardens, looking for deals at garage sales, and following the Iowa Hawkeyes. In his younger days, he played golf and enjoyed hunting with his family. Richard was a long-time member of St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ronald and William (Janet) Bennett; and brother-in-law, Wesley McGuire.
Memorial may be directed to the family.
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I love you Dad you cared for all 5 of us kids and Mom rest with Jesus
You will be missed Uncle Dick. Say hello to Rosie and Glenn. Don’t tease Grandma (Edna) too much. Rest in peace.
My forever first love. You are my universe and more. I love you, I love you, I love you.
To greatest dad I could ever have love to end see you in heaven some day YOUR LOVING SON
Dad, how blessed I was to be your daughter. I will miss your advice, your one-liners, and hearing, “I love you too kid”. I will keep talking to you dad, please don’t ever stop talking to me. I miss you so much.
Uncle Dick I will miss your smile and quick wit. I will miss the stories of your childhood and my dad’s when I was sad and missing him. You and Aunt Pat’s relationship and marriage was my ideal. I will love you always,my good looking uncle,say hi to mom and dad for me. Love your niece Laura Bennett
God bless…prayers for you and family
It’s been a long time since I worked with “Benny” at Longview Fiber, aka Downing Box. We worked on the FLEXO together ( a printing machine that probably disappeared decades ago). This was in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I was just out of high school. I didn’t know how old he was. Didn’t matter. He was young at heart. I loved working with him. I passed up a job promotion once so I could keep working with him. We had a lot of laughs and great fun together. One of the fun things we did together outside of work was starting a workplace golf league. It only lasted 2 or 3 years, but we had all sorts of fun. At the end of the season we had a party. Now I don’t remember where the party was (I thought it was in his basement), but for some reason I had to drive Benny somewhere. Yes, there was probably underage drinking on my part. That will help explain why I was driving on a sidewalk at one of the Rockwell/Collins facilities. Remarkably we made it through a gate opening and never got stopped. I don’t have a lot of great memories in my life, but make no mistake , working with and just knowing Dick “Benny” Bennett will always be a highlight. Rest in Peace my friend. You’ll be missed. Thanks for leaving me with cherished memories. Your friend Rick Miell, Viola IA.
Thanks for these stories. They brought a smile to our faces! Lisa
Uncle Dick, Thank you for all the laughs, the teasing, and infecting all of us with your general goofiness. You were so funny, and so much fun to be around. I have always admired your outlook on life–how you remained young at heart. You taught me to find the humor in everything–and not to take everything so seriously. With much love, your niece, Jenny Bennett Woods (Bellingham, WA).
Uncle Dick-you were always my fave, but I think you knew that. I will always remember our summer vacations driving from Georgia to Iowa to visit. You were always there to entertain. From pumpkin ball to the pool and park to the endless card games with the requisite beer. You kept us all laughing. Love you and miss you always. Nancy
Praying for my family today. So glad I had the opportunity to be in the presence of (Great) Uncle Dick growing up. His humor created a loving & welcoming atmosphere. He loved hard like my Grandfather & I’m grateful to have been apart of that love shown. May God comfort your hearts & give you strength today & in days to come. Love you.
It was sad to hear of your passing. I always thought of you as Uncle Dick. RIP You will be missed by so many. ~Janet
I was so sorry to hear of your passing and sudden illness. I will always remember the slumber parties at your house with your daughter Lisa. You always added to humor and great snacks. You seemed like the greatest father and I could see how much you cared for your family. May you Rest In Peace. Sending much love and strength to your family. -Michelle
DAD YOU GAVE US ONE LAST GIFT YOU BROUGHT YOUR FAMILY CLOSER THAN EVER! YOU ARE MY DAD MY BEST FRIEND THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR ALL YOUR KIDS THANKS FOR LETTING CALL YOU DAD.
❤❤❤❤
I miss you so much! I am so lucky to have had such an amazing, hard working, and loving man in my life! The last week that I got to spend with you, I will forever cherish. Even though I was such a brat as a kid you always had my back and as an adult I could call and talk to you about everything and you always had the best advice! My heart breaks thinking I will never hear your voice again! Thank you for being the most amazing role model, I hope I have made you proud in your life time. I love you so much!