ALVIN BENNETT

Alvin E. Bennett, age 100, passed away peacefully at his daughter Doris home in Green Bay on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. He was born August 5, 1910 in Pickett, WI; son of the late Ervin and Martha (Rohloff) Bennett. Al graduated from Horicon High School in 1929 and later attended Dodge County Normal School in Mayville. After teaching at the River View Grade School in Dodge County, Al returned to UW-Oshkosh to receive his bachelors degree. He taught at South Park Junior High in Oshkosh for many years before completing a Masters Degree in art education at UW-Madison. He also became Supervisor of Art in the Appleton Elementary Schools and then taught art and supervised student teachers at UW-Oshkosh. Al was an outstanding potter and received numerous awards for his work. Along with being a member of the Fox Valley Artists Association and the American Craftsmens Council, he was President of the Wisconsin Art Education Association. Al would often entertain visitors with stories of his life and his many endeavors including being a cowboy out West, playing Hawaiian guitar and entertaining in theatres in Milwaukee, playing saxophone in a big band, painting houses, and conducting survival training at Culver Military Academy in Indiana for troops being sent overseas during World War II. Al married Dorothea Lunde, the love of his life, from Alderly in 1932. Alvin, Dorothea, and their growing family, spent many enjoyable days at their cottage built on the banks of the Rock River near the farm homestead south of Horicon. After retiring in 1974, Al and Dorothea spent their time traveling in their camper throughout the US and Mexico, often spending time in northern Wisconsin for the summer, where they loved to fish. Later they spent winters in Florida and summers at the cottage where they enjoyed many family get-togethers swimming, fishing, and gardening. Dorothea passed away in 1988. Al and Dorothea were soul mates for 56 years in marriage. In 1989 he married Genevieve Button and they were married for 20 years before she passed. Al had a remarkable life and attributed his long life to good living and an active lifestyle. At 99 he took up watercolor painting and sketching. His quick wit, the mischievous twinkle in his eye, his practical wisdom, and many talents will be missed. Survivors include two children: Jonne Hubin, Dori (Chuck) Barker; six grandchildren: Kay (Tom) Hubin, James Hubin, Wendy (Jonathan) Bennett, Thomas Bennett, Jeff (Kelly) Barker, Greg (Kathy) Barker; four great-grandchildren: Adam, Emily, Logan and Zoey (who kept him smiling for the last ten months); two brothers: Victor (Nora Lee) Bennett, Gilbert (Betty) Bennett; and a sister-in-law, Esther Christianson. Al was preceded in death by a son, Thomas; a son-in-law Ross Hubin, a grandson, Matthew Hubin, and a brother, Clarence. Als wishes were to be cremated and burial to take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon. A family memorial will be held on November 14. The family wishes to thank all the caring workers with Heartland Hospice, especially Barb M., Mike V, Eileen, chaplain Barb, and volunteer Mary Kay and our many caregivers, especially Kim.