Phyllis J. Bennett

Mineral Point - Phyllis (Hermann) Bennett passed away peacefully on December 3, 2016 with her loving family by her side at Upland Hills Health Center, Dodgeville, WI. Mother was the oldest of four children born to Vernon and Corella (Peterson) Hermann on July 26, 1926, and was raised in Mt. Horeb, graduating in 1944. She spent much of her youth helping at her mother's well known establishment, Corella's Alleys, including setting pins by hand. After graduation, she lived in Madison and worked for Jackson Clinic. Mother married Bruce J. Bennett of Mineral Point at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, on April 12, 1947. After living in Mt. Horeb for a short period, they made Mineral Point their home and lovingly raised their five children; Gregg, Jennilyn, Bobby, Jim, and Chuck. The family had a wonderful childhood, typical of those days in a small town, and will always cherish those childhood memories. Mother and Dad owned Bennett's Drive Inn and Driving Range in their early years. In 1979, she worked at the Iowa County Courthouse as a Deputy of Clerk of Circuit Court, and then as Register of Probate until retiring in 1989. She enjoyed working with Judge James Fiedler, a close family friend. Rental properties were acquired over the years and Mother managed them up until a few years ago. Through her rental business, she met many wonderful people and always was willing to help them out as needed. Her involvement in the community included the Women's Club, which involved immense dedication to the signature "handmade quilt" by the members. She also served on the Historical Society Board and ran as a write-in candidate for the Mineral Point School Board and served for nine years. Mother had an unwavering faith in God and her church family was a huge part of her life. One of her greatest enjoyments was working with the church ladies in the kitchen. Family meant everything to Mother and she enjoyed following all the various activities in which they participated. At the time of her life when she could no longer attend, her home was filled with the stories and she always had the most beautiful twinkle in her eyes and smile on her face, acknowledging the accomplishments. Golfing was greatly enjoyed by Mother and Dad. She was the last living charter member of the Dodge Point Country Club, where they spent endless hours dancing, golfing, and dining with each other and a circle of treasured friends. Mother also enjoyed bowling, and accomplished a 600 Series. Her many talents included being a gifted seamstress, and she was very proud of her handmade Christmas stockings which were hand beaded for her seven great-grandchildren. Each family received another one of her special gifts-patchwork pillows made from Dad's ties. She put a lot of love and thought into each one and these gifts will be at the heart of our life's story forever. One of the greatest traditions that will be truly missed by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the Bennett Christmas gatherings. As we celebrate Mother's 90 years, a life full of family, friends, devotion, laughter, and kindness, we know that the strength from her deep love for each of us will be close within our hearts forever. Mother is survived by her children: Gregg (Judy), Jennilyn (Larry) McNeill, Jim (Kari), Chuck (Lifka) all of Mineral Point. Grandchildren: Chris (Diane) McNeill, Erik (Diana) McNeill, Andrew (Heather) McNeill, Julie Myers, Bo, Cody, Brianna, Raeann and Garrett Bennett. Great-grandchildren: Morgan, Bennett, Griffin, Connor, McKenna, Addison, and Brody McNeill. Sister, LaVonne Neshiem, and two very special people that spent many wonderful days with Mother in her later years-Saundra Roth (sister), and Hazel Hermann (sister-in-law), and special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce, and their dearly loved son, Bobby (1971), Vernon Hermann and Corella Comiskey (parents), J. Harry and Jennie Bennett (in-laws), Vance Hermann (brother), and Tex Neshiem, Dean Roth, and Doug Bennett (brother-in-laws). Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 10th, at the CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST in Mineral Point with Rev. Beryl Melcher and Rev. Luke Bocher officiating. Friends may call from 2:00-3:30 on Saturday at the church with the funeral at 4:00. All friends and family are invited to dinner at 5:00 at the Dodge Point Country Club, Mineral Point, in order to share memories and stories. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the church. Because of you, Mother, we know what is at the heart of a good life...love and family-those things that are true and lasting. We know that because of you.

Phyllis J. Bennett

July 26, 1926 - December 3, 2016