John “Jack” Bennetts, 89
John “Jack” Bennetts, of Antigo, died October 30th at his home. He was 89 years old. He was born on July 28, 1930, in West Allis, a son of Thomas and Angeline (Hartmann) Bennetts. He married Caroline “Carole” Wild on September 26, 1959, at Holy Apostle Catholic Church in Waukesha. She preceded him in death on August 24, 2012.
He attended Big Bend grade school, graduated from Waterford High School and received training at Milwaukee School of Electronics.
He entered the United States Air Force in 1950 and was an aircraft engine mechanic stationed in England. He was discharged in 1954.
After military service Jack worked in Waukesha for Rusch Electronics. He moved to Antigo in 1963 where he started Bennetts Electric Motors. Jack operated the business for many years and it continues today under the direction of his son.
Jack enjoyed spending time at the cottage in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and drinking an Old Milwaukee around a bonfire with family and friends while singing old songs in three-part harmony. Some of his favorite pass times were finding good deals at garage sales and Menard’s, fixing clocks and most anything that was in need of repair. He was a knowledgable and established story-teller and he could get a smile out of anyone with his endless supply of jokes.
Jack was an inventor and held several patents in electronics and fishing lure design.
Jack was honored to participate on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight on April 22, 2018. He was a member of the Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post #3, Antigo.
Survivors include a daughter, Anne Koester, Antigo; three sons, Kenneth Bennetts, Antigo, Kevin (Annette) Bennetts, Antigo, Michael Bennetts (Christine), Merrill; three grandchildren Justin Bennetts (Katie), Brittney Bennetts, Kody Koester (Emily); two great-grandchildren Layla and Parker; a sister, Alice Richards, Marshall; a brother, Carl (Barbara) Bennetts, Woodruff; three sisters-in-law Mary Jane Paff, Antigo, Patricia Wild, Antigo, Linda (John) Scott, Green Bay; and a brother-in-law Michael (Corinne) Wolter , Antigo and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by two brothers, Bob Bennetts and Glenn (Almira) Bennetts; a sister-in-law, Marianne Wild; and brothers-in-law, Jim Richards, Conrad Wild and Norman Wild.
A living celebration of his life was held October 27, 2019.