Earl L. Bennett

February 11, 1942 – June 12, 2023

Age: 81 years

Earl L. Bennett, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away suddenly at the age of 81 on June 12, 2023 at University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

He was born in Saginaw, Michigan on February 11, 1942. He was the second of four sons born to Ezra W. and Virginia L. (Diener) Bennett. Earl was introduced to a Christian upbringing at an early age, and was a life-long member of Community of Christ church. He was ordained an elder of the church and served for over fifty years. God was the head and center of his family’s life.

After graduation from high school he attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. Returning back to Saginaw he met the love of his life on a blind date. He and Patricia (Riley) were married on December 19, 1964.

Earl began his apprenticeship at Saginaw Pattern in January, 1971.  He completed his apprenticeship at the Grey Iron Foundry and became a journeyman patternmaker. He retired in 2002 with over 30 years of service.

Earl leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Patricia and two children, Amy L. (Norby) Knickerbocker and Aaron E. Bennett.  Also surviving are four loving grandchildren, Garrett Knickerbocker, Noelle (Spencer) Reames, Nolan Knickerbocker, and Lola Bennett.  Two brothers, Thomas H. (Kathleen) and Guy (Dawn) Bennett, two sister-in-laws, Donna Bennett and Joan Kobel, and brother-in-law, Charles Riley.   Many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends.  He was predeceased by his daughter Joy E. Bennett, daughter-in-law Robyn Gray-Bennett, his parents Ezra and Virginia Bennett, and one brother Gary F. Bennett, also brother-in-law Robert and wife Marilyn Riley, sister-in-law Mildred Riley, and brother-in-law Kenneth Riley.

Earl felt the greatest gift he had received was the gift of life from an organ donor.  He received a liver transplant on May 21, 2006.  Although he never knew his donor, he was truly thankful for the unselfish act of the donor who gave the gift of life so others might live.

He was a gifted craftsman being able to build two houses, as well as being instrumental in building his church.  Earl was always willing to share his talents with others, never expecting anything in return.  He enjoyed wood carving.  He loved to read and was found with a book in his hands the majority of the time.  Loved to watch his children and grandchildren in sporting events and attended as many as possible.  Spending time with his family and church family were very important to him.  He was well versed in the scriptures and loved to discuss them, especially with his mother and adult church school class. Earl enjoyed all genres of music and began taking piano lessons after his retirement.  He also sang in the church choir.  Bird watching was a favorite past time and he would sit in his chair by the window watching the coming and going of God’s beautiful creatures.

Honoring Earl’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Earl’s Life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Community of Christ Church, 3301 E. Midland Road, Bay City, Michigan 48706. Elder Dawn C. Bennett and Elder Guy L. Bennett will officiate. Friends may visit the family from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603 and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Community of Christ Church, 3301 E. Midland Road, Bay City, Michigan 48706; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9929; or a charity of the donor’s choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral chapel or through www.casefuneralhome.com.