In Memory of Bruce W. Bennett

Bruce W. Bennett, age 86, of Sioux City, Iowa, formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Bickford Memory Care of Sioux City, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Silver Creek United Methodist Church of rural Galva, Iowa. Pastor Kristin D. Boysen will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date in the Galva Township East Cemetery of Galva, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 2017 at the Silver Creek United Methodist Church of rural Galva, Iowa. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Bruce Wilbur Bennett, age 86, passed away March 23, 2017 at Bickford Memory Care in Sioux City, IA from complications of dementia.

Bruce was born to Wilbur Alvin and Blanche Mae (Neal) Bennett on November 8, 1930 in rural Schaller, IA. He was a lifelong member of Silver Creek United Methodist Church, singing bass worshipping our Lord. He attended country school in Silver Creek township, eighth grade in Arthur, one year of high school in Ida Grove and the final 3 years at Galva Community School earning All Conference Honors as center on the football team.  The first day on the school bus at Galva, his friend Bruce Lease pointed to Marlys Rydberg when she was getting on the bus and said "That's the girl you're going to marry".  Bruce and Marlys were married on February 24th, 1952 and had just celebrated their 65th anniversary. They lived on the Clapsaddle  farm south of Galva for 20 years, then moved to Wilbur’s farm southwest of Schaller for 20 years, on the south shore of Storm Lake for 23 years, then Bickford for 2 1/2 years.  They enjoyed winters in Mesa AZ, their many camping and fishing trips, boat rides, card games and visits with family and friends at Storm Lake and Okoboji.

Bruce and his brother Wayne farmed in partnership from 1949 until 1989 and Marlys kept the books and helped when needed after they were married. When Bruce retired he enjoyed working as a free hired hand for the boys for many years.  His help and advice were appreciated.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, brother Wayne and grandson Justin Gayer.

Bruce is survived by his wife Marlys,  sister Barbara (Bob) Ruchensky, six children Marilee (Terry) Gayer of Glenwood,  Marsha  (Steve) Hamann of Sac City, Alan (LuAnn) Bennett of Galva, Lynda  (Dale) Wiebers of Charter Oak and twins Kyle (Robin) Bennett of Schaller, and Kevin (Sue) Bennett of Altoona, 15 grandkids and 14 great grandkids.

Bruce’s family wishes to express a heartfelt thanks to the Bickford Memory Care Staff for all of their support and professional care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Silver Creek United Methodist Church.