John E. Bennett, 72, of Eau Claire died Saturday, June 5, 2004 at Sacred Heart Hospital. He was born May 29, 1932 in Superior, Wisconsin, the son of Bernard J. and Genevieve (Kantarik) Bennett. He graduated from East High School in Superior with the class of 1950 and University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1955.\r\nJohn E. Bennett married Roselia M. Tio on October 22, 1960 at Immaculate Conception Church in Eau Claire.\r\nHe worked as an accountant for the State of Wisconsin Tax Department until retiring in 1990. \r\nJohn was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend who was always available to lend an ear, give meaningful advice and add joy to people's lives. It was not uncommon for people to comment on his "friendliness, humor and kindness". His perseverance in life provided motivation and strength to many individuals. He enjoyed many hobbies including stamp collecting, sports, coin collecting, reading, card playing, bowling and playing basketball. Following his retirement, he immensely enjoyed his winters in Arizona with his late wife Rose. He lent his skills to Home Owner's Associations in Arizona and in Wisconsin and to his Stamp Collector's Club. He was a member in the Knights of Columbus - John F. Kennedy Council #1257 and thoroughly enjoyed the social events. He was a kind and gentle man who will be sadly missed by many.\r\nSurvivors include two daughters, Julie (Michael) Pire of Eau Claire and Ann (Lonnie) Cockfield of Peoria, AZ; three grandchildren, Zachary&Ryan Pire of Eau Claire, and Lauryn Cockfield of Peoria, AZ; brother, Bernard H. (Mary Ann) of Eau Claire; three brothers-in-law, Clarence (Alice) Tio of Eau Claire, Edmund Tio of St. Paul, MN, and Charles (Carol) Tio of Necedah, WI; nieces, nephews and cousins.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose in August 2003.\r\nMass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 11, 2004 at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Eugene A. Klink officiating. Entombment will be in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Friday at church. A public prayer service along with the Knights of Columbus will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.\r\n

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