Gary Hewitt Bennett April 23, 1950 ~ December 27, 2013 Gary Hewitt Bennett, 63 of Alexandria, Minnesota, passed away Friday, December 27, 2013, at his home. A celebration of Gary's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2014, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (1401 East Lyon St, Marshall, Minnesota 56258). A visitation will also be held Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at the church from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Gary is survived by his wife, Kathy Ann Bennett; daughters: Shannon Parker (Larry), Nichole Koser (Joe), and Ashley Bennett; sons: Brant Bennett (Jodi) and Rory Bennett (Becky), and thirteen grandchildren; sisters: Christine Kruger (Wayne), and Sandra Sabbe Lee (Alfred); brother, Randall Bennett (Rhonda); and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Norman and Linden Bennett; and sister, Klerice Lindstrom. He was the fifth of seven children. After graduating from high school in Hanley Falls, Minnesota, he attended one year at Southwest State University. He served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the British North area of England. Upon returning from his mission, he married his high school sweetheart, formerly Kathy Ann Engel, on December 18, 1971. He then attended the University of Minnesota studying Political Science. Over the next 35 years, he built a multi-state transportation business where he owned, operated, and distributed school buses along side his brother, Randy. Retiring in 2006, he realized his dream of retiring on the lake with Kathy, his five kids and 13 grandchildren. Gary found great joy in church services and always looked for opportunities to help others. Family came first for Gary so the annual 4th of July reunion was an especially joyous time as the entire family would join Gary and Kathy at the lake. The pontoon cruises were his favorite and he always enjoyed loading up the entire family for a leisurely cruise. Gary loved his family and made sure they all had every opportunity in life. Gary will be laid to rest at the Hanley Falls East Yellow Medicine Cemetery Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota