Former Mason City, IA Resident Mark B. Bennett passed away Feb. 11th, 2021 with his wife and sons by his bedside in Oklahoma City, OK. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in Mark’s honor this summer in Mason City, IA. Mark is preceded in death by his father Ardway Bennett and his mother Dorothy Bennett. Mark is survived by his wife of 44 years, Debra Bennett resident of Bethany, OK; his sons Gregory Bennett (special friend Jennifer) of Golden, CO, and Jeffrey Bennett (wife Paola) of Oklahoma City, OK; his brothers Reed Bennett (special friend Cindy Voss) of Tulsa, OK, Scott Bennett (wife Jean) of Cedar Falls, IA, Kevin Bennett (wife Joan) of Columbus, NE, and Brooke Bennett (wife Ann) of Lincoln, NE; his Grandsons Reese and Brady Bennett (Greg’s children with former spouse Michelle); Granddaughters AnaMica and AvaLily Bennett (Jeff and Paola’s children); along with several nieces and nephews.
Mark was born November 4, 1950 in Huron, SD to Loyal “Ardway” Bennett and Dorothy Ruth Snow. Mark was one of five Bennett sons. After graduating from Huron High School in 1969, he served four years in the United States Air Force at the end of the Vietnam War. Shortly after returning home, he met the love of his life Debra (“Deb”) Herzog and her son Greg. They married in Sioux Falls, SD in 1976 followed by a wedding dance held in their honor. Mark was so eager to marry Deb that they have one cherished photo memorializing their special day since the family friend taking pictures found out later there was no film in the camera. Having fallen instantly in love with Deb, he did not hesitate to adopt his first son Greg after they married. About eight years later, Mark and Deb they welcomed their second son Jeff. Mark’s sons made him very proud. Greg became the first dentist in the family after completing his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Iowa University. Greg owns his own dental practice in Golden, CO. Jeff completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration as he served 9 years in the United States Air Force. His love for aviation transitioned into a marketing/sales career for The Boeing Company. Deb has always regarded Mark as a steadfast partner, supporter, father, and doting grandfather as she said her last goodbye much sooner than was expected.
In 1983, after making the move to Mason City, Mark worked up the ranks in quality control at Winnebago Industries. During his time in Mason City, Mark and family enjoyed cabin trips to Lake Alexander, MN where his brothers and family made everlasting memories to be shared years to come. Mark stayed with Winnebago until the recession of 2012. Mark and Deb eventually moved to Columbus, NE to live near his mother and father. They treasured this time by having prolonged conversations with Ardway and Dorothy over mid-afternoon toddy’s where 7-up was always on hand. Mark continued his pursuit in quality control. While visiting his son Jeff, he was offered a Quality Manager position at Dexter Axle in the Oklahoma City area. Mark was a true asset to the company as he regularly traveled to Dexter Axle’s three manufacturing plants across the United States. Mark’s expertise continued to be valued. Post-retirement, Dexter Axle contracted Mark to be a trusted manufacturing consultant on its various projects.
Fishing was always a favorite outing for Mark at a pond near his co-worker and good friend Chuck Golden, to include various lakes in Oklahoma that he and his son Jeff would find. It was always a joke between them that Jeff would put him on the “big ones”. Mark also enjoyed hunting. In fact, he got a deer in his last quest in the big yonder before being called home while he and Chuck were out in Concho, OK. No one can deny that Mark was out enjoying life to the fullest. He was fortunate to be around those he loved in his final days.
Mark was a valued community member by always helping those in need from family to neighbors. Those who knew him did not know a stranger. He was quick to find common ground in forging relationships. He brought a quiet presence of peace to situations that brought out the best in others. Those who remember him or benefited from his kind gestures of helping stemmed from sheet rocking that he learned from his Father-in-law, Darrell Slattum (Deb’s step-father). Mark had several handy man abilities and was always quick to lend a hand.
He was a proud Papa and Grandpa. He was very fond of his grandsons Reese and Brady and his granddaughters AnaMica and AvaLily. He could not get enough time with them. It was so fun to hear him brag about those children and he was always open to trying anything they wanted…a true sport. He was able to share just enough of his love for fishing with this next generation so that generations to come will enjoy the serene peacefulness of throwing out the best cast with the perfect bait in simple hope to say “I caught the big one!”
Last, his love of the Iowa Hawkeyes was well known to his family so that anytime the Hawkeyes were playing – there was no question where he would be. With honor, he will be laid to rest in the Hawkeye state!
He will be missed by many!
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held this summer in Mason City, IA. In honor of Mark’s life celebration, the family asks in lieu of flowers, sympathy gifts be sent to the family at 3508 NW 50th St Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
