George Bennett

George E. Bennett, 95, Rockford, passed away peacefully, Saturday, August 25, 2012, at Serenity House, operated by Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon. George was born July 20, 1917, in Springfield, IL.nbsp; George married Edith Holmes on July 15, 1945, in the parsonage of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Shortly before celebrating their 67 th wedding anniversary Edith passed away on July 12, 2012. George met Edith while working as a driver for Landon Trucking. Later he went on to operate Georges Skelly Gas Station at the entrance of Loves Park. George spent the next 30 years working at Service Engineering Company in Rockford until his retirement at the age of 65. During his retirement he worked as a maintenance man at Independent Life and Health Insurance Agency for 17 more years. George was a longtime member of Tabor Lutheran Church where he was active in all areas of the church including duty as Deacon and Head Usher over a 50 year period.nbsp; George loved God, his wife Edith and his family.nbsp; He was a dedicated man and wonderful provider.nbsp; He enjoyed camping and boating with his family, which they continue to enjoy today. George and Edith raised five children, Steve (Kris) Bennett of Townville, SC, Ken Bennett of Machesney Park, Rick Bennett of Waterloo, SC, Carol (Kim) Lawler of Rockford, and Larry Bennett, in heaven, survived by his wife, Carol, in Texas; eight grandchildren, Kellen, Kurtis and Christopher Lawler, Christopher Bennett, Alecia Bennett, Grant Parsons Bennett, Steve and Rich Bennett; three greatgrandchildren, Brooklyn Bennett, Lathan Bennett, and Tyler Bennett, in heaven. George was predeceased by his Father, Thomas, Mother, Rose Bennett; three sisters, Kathryn Woodworth, Dorothy Mitchell, Mary Miles; two brothers, Robert Bob Bennett, Thomas Bennett.nbsp; He is survived by his brother Harold Bennett and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thank you to Serenity Hospice for their kindness and care.nbsp;

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:15 am on Thursday August 30 th 2012 at the Tabor Lutheran Church, 2233 12 th Avenue immediately followed by funeral services at 11:30 am, with Reverend Jane McChesney officiating. Burial in Willwood Burial Park.nbsp; Light lunch and fellowship at Tabor Luthern Church following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rock River Valley Food Pantry of Rockford, IL.nbsp; Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. To share online, condolences go to www.fitzgeraldfh.com.