William (Bill) Jay Bennett

A lover of cars, travel, history and music

He was born in Rochester, MN on April 2, 1935 and was an only child. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Donald Bennett, along with his wife Sharon (Habel) Bennett. He is survived by his children Scott (Cindy) Bennett, Kelly (Dennis) Rader, Maria (Steve) Sims, and stepchildren Jeff Gregory and Jason Gregory along with 11 grandchildren – Theresa Bennett, Sara (Scott) Rader, Alex (Chelsea) Rader, Thomas Bennett, Anthony (Anne) Sims, Emily Sims, Natalie Sims, Forrest Gregory, Miles (Destiny) Gregory, Blaise Gregory, Zander Gregory and 4 great grandchildren (Dylan Rader, Greta Bourgoin-Rader, Maxwell Bennett, and Oulle Gregory). We would also like to thank Sheryl (Habel) and Lyle Almasy for being a continual presence in Bill’s life. Finally, thank you Smokey and Scarlett, Bill’s cat, for the companionship and comfort you provided him particularly this past year.

Bill grew up on a farm outside of Rochester, MN and graduated from Rochester Junior College in 1954 with a two-year degree in Ophthalmic Optics. Bill spent his entire career in the optical business working for Soderberg Optical out of St. Paul. He loved his job, was well respected in the industry and, due to his many years as a traveling salesman working his way up to the VP of Sales, had an enormous network of colleagues and optical friends proven by the many notebooks of business cards he had acquired.

Bill had a passion for history including WWII, travel - particularly to Europe, and collecting antique cars – specifically Packard cars, and was a member of the Minnesota Packard Automobile Club and Classic Car Club for many years. He loved music and singing and enjoyed the classics such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Tony Bennett along with musicals and showtunes.

Thank you to all the caregivers that supported Bill in the past few years as he navigated a challenging and difficult path and thank you to anyone that helped make Bill’s life fulfilling. A celebration of life may be planned in the future to honor Bill. In the meantime, in lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association on his behalf.

memorial service

A celebration of life to be planed at a later date

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services