FRANKLIN
Robert “Bob” Clarence Bennett, 100, passed away on March 27, 2024. He was a longtime resident of Franklin.
Bob was born on September 22, 1923 in Des Moines, Iowa to Newton Harry Bennett and Mary Louise (Bristow) Bennett. He married Dagrun Rykkja on October 4, 1958 in Oslo, Norway. She lovingly survives.
Other survivors include children, John Olav Bennett (Kerry Hyatt), Dag Robert Bennett (Devon Allison), Susan Ashild Hyler (Bret), and Robert Bruce Bennett (Frances Anderton); grandchildren, Mitchell (Dana), Erik, Eleanor, Vivian, Sophie, Jack, and Summer Grace; great grandchildren, Everly and Levi; and niece, Becky Turner.
Bob was preceded in passing by his parents, Newton and Mary, and brother, Bruce Bennett.
Bob joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1945. He worked for the United States Foreign Service as the Assistant to the Minister of Economic Affairs in Paris for 3 years where he also studied at Sorbonne University.
He received his BA at the University of Iowa and later his MS in Art Education from Winona State.
He worked various teaching jobs over the years. He taught school in Norway for 5 years, taught high school in Minnesota for 2 years, was an assistant professor at Franklin College for 5 years, and taught art at Custer Baker where he retired.
Bob enjoyed camping with his family. He was an avid tennis player, having competed in the National Senior Games in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015. He was a gold medalist in 2009 and 2015. Bob also was an avid golfer. He won the longest putt award in the YMCA Annual Golf Tournament in 2021 at 97 years old. He consistently won every tennis and golf game against his family and friends for over 60 years.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 N. Morton Street (U.S. 31) in Franklin. Visitation will be from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Indiana Canine Assistant Network, 5100 Charles Court, Suite 100, Zionsville, Indiana 46077.
Online condolences and other expressions of kindness are appreciated at www.flinnmaguire.net
