Jack B. Bennett, Jr., 80, of Fort Myers, Florida, (formerly of La Porte, Indiana), passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, after a long courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

 

Jack was born on August 4, 1941, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Jack and Virginia (Hardy) Bennett.           

                                                                                                                                                      On September 11, 1965, in Michigan City, Indiana, Jack married Mary Elizabeth Wozniak who preceded him in death on November 9, 2008.

 

Jack attended and graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School in South Bend, Indiana. After high school, Jack served in the United States Air Force for four years.  He was a Designer, Estimator, and Project Manager of the mechanical construction for commercial and institutional buildings.  He was most proud of his role in the mechanical construction of the Marie DeBartolo Performing Arts Center at the University of Notre Dame.  Jack was a member of Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church in La Porte and a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus where he was a past Grand Knight. 

 

Jack lived in Florida and summered in his home in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.  He enjoyed fishing, traveling, cruising, bicycle riding and bocce ball with his fiancé, Sharon Skunes. He liked to watch Notre Dame football and Women’s basketball, and enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

 

Jack is survived by his children, Lisa (Michael) Zelinsky of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Jack B. (Debra) Bennett III of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and Christine Meissner (Gary Watkins) of Royal Oak, Michigan; seven grandchildren, Michael Zelinsky Jr., Laura Zelinsky, Ava Bennett, Nina Bennett, Charles Meissner, Casey Meissner, and Bennett Meissner; a sister, Sharon (Larry) Roesch; fiancé Sharon Skunes; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mary; and brother, Michael Bennett. 

 

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, October 25, 2021, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church, 109 C. Street, La Porte, Indiana.

Family and friends may gather from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home prior to the Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society www.cancer.org or Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church, 109 C. Street, La Porte, Indiana.  

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at EsslingFuneralHome.com.