Richard Bennett -- Dover

Published January 29, 2019 at 2:00 PM

Richard Marvin Bennett, 77, of Dover, passed away at home on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019.

Richard was born on June 4, 1941, to Gilbert and Vivian (Davidson) Bennett in Rochester, where he grew up. Richard graduated from John Marshall High School on June 5, 1959.

Richard then entered the Marines. He returned home to farm with his brother, Roger. He was a firefighter for the Rochester Fire Department Station One from June 1971 until July 1997, and he retired as Captain.

On Dec. 26, 1975, Richard married Anna (Walters) Papenfus at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plainview, where they attended service every Sunday. Richard and Anna made their home and farmed in Dover.

Richard enjoyed morning coffee and cards with his friends, riding his ATV checking on his beef cows, reading the Post Bulletin, and most of all, joking around with his grandson, Mike.

Richard will be sadly missed by his family, Gary (Sue) Papenfus of Nelson, Wis., and his six children, Jennifer (Gary) McDonough, Kevin (Jodein) Papenfus, Kenny (Kim) Papenfus, Terry (Holly) Papenfus, Tammy (Dan) Hager, and Jodi (Keith) Eick; Ronnie (Marilyn) Papenfus of Dodge Center and their three children, Cheryl (David) DeWitt, Kim (Jason) Simons and Mike (Missy) Papenfus with their son Monty of Zumbo Falls; 30 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and neighbors, Ron and Jean Mulholand.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Anna, on March 19, 2011; his parents; his siblings, Roger, David, and Salley Needham; and daughter-in-law, Patricia.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Immanual Lutheran Church in Plainview, with Pastor Phil Augustine officiating. Burial will be at Little Valley Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Plainview American Legion. Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Schad and Zabel Funeral Home in Plainview, and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Memorials are preferred to Immanual Lutheran Church or Little Valley Cemetery.

Schad & Zabel Funeral Home, 57 Third St SW, Plainview, MN 55964; 507-534-2003. schadandzabelfuneralhomes.com.