Michael A. Bennett
DAYTON, OH – Michael A. Bennett, 69, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Tuesday, May 9th, 2023, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, OH.
Mike was born Jan. 18th, 1954, in Marquette, MI, son of James J. and M. Virginia (Carlson) Bennett. After graduating from Marquette High School in 1972 he attended Northern Michigan University. On Sept. 9th, 1977, he married Diane Dupras, in Marquette. He was a Marquette firefighter and EMT from 1976-1980. His career as a Marquette Firefighter ended after sustaining life threatening injuries in an auto accident, which through the grace of God, he was able to overcome. After moving to Iron Mountain in 1986, Mike took a position at the Quinnesec Paper Mill as a safety/security officer and EMT where he worked until retiring in 2016. Mike was a member of Knights of Columbus, Sons of the American Legion, and Saint Mary & Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Mike worked endlessly managing the Knights of Columbus Hall and Wednesday night bingo. He spent many years as Grand Knight and was very involved in many volunteer projects. Mike was an intense Notre Dame football fan and also loved watching the Green Bay Packers.
Mike’s true passion was spending time at the family camp on Lake Superior and honoring his father by keeping camp traditions alive. He enjoyed fishing, playing music and spending time with family at camp and around the campfire.
Most of all, he enjoyed watching his grandkids’ sporting events and spent many hours attending their hockey, soccer, softball, dance competitions/recitals and just spending time with his kids and grandkids. Mike was a compassionate and loving husband, father, Papa and most of all, a devout Catholic.
He is survived by his wife, Diane; two sons, Michael J. (Renee) Bennett of Andover, MN and John (Shanna) Bennett of Marquette; a daughter, Kelsie (Spencer) Rohr of Lebanon, OH; a brother, Tim (Dianne) Bennett of Marquette; three sisters, Cindy (Pete) Beairl of Laona, WI, Mary Bennett of Marquette, and Margaret (Gary) Gustafson of Marquette; and eight grandchildren, Brooke, Brett and Brianna Bennett, Claire and Finn Bennett, Harper, Bennett and Oaklee Rohr and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by a brother, Shawn Bennett.
Visitation will be held from 9:30am to 12:30pm (Central Time) on Thursday, May 18th at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. The rosary will be recited at 12:15 pm at the funeral home. The funeral mass will follow at 1:00 pm at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Fr. Janusz Romanek will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Marquette on Friday, May 19th, at noon (Eastern Time).
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the Dickinson County Right to Life.
Pallbearers will be John Korhonen, Dave Bishop, Chris Rexses, Pat Maraccini, Bob Boyle, and Gary Gustafson.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Michael A. Bennett online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.