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Obituary for Michael T. Bennett
Michael T. Bennett of Royal Oak died February 2, 2017. He was 71 years old. Michael was born September 30, 1945, in Flint, Michigan, to Julia and William Bennett.
Michael is survived by Susan, his beloved wife of 47 years, and children, Jennifer (Brett) Greer, Carrie Bennett, Sheila (Fred) Judd, Adam Bennett, and Andrew Bennett. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Jacob Sheridan, Ben Sheridan, Luke Sheridan, Alexa Greer, Noah Greer, and Grace Greer, and six siblings, Jo (Al) Sova, Harvey (Debbie) Bennett, Laura Bartosiewicz, and Becky (Perry) Bailey. Michael is preceded in death by his brother Wade (Brenda) Bennett and sister Julie Bennett.
Michael was passionate about his family and worked hard to make the best possible life for his wife and children. He provided for his family by first driving a truck for Georgia Pacific for 30 years and then safely delivering students by bus to their buildings for Rochester Community Schools for 8 years. Along with these jobs, Michael spent years of Saturday nights telling jokes and pouring drinks for bowlers at North Hill Lanes and Classic Lanes in Rochester.
When he was not working, Michael was squeezing every ounce of enjoyment from life. He and Susan, the love of his life, enjoyed camping at Outdoor Adventure with family members and friends and traveling to craft shows, national sites, and anywhere else Susan asked him to point the car. Michael and Susan enjoyed their tradition of celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with chicken dinners at Zehnder's in Frankenmuth, Michigan, followed by trips to Bronner's for annual ornament shopping.
Michael was also an avid and accomplished bowler, participating in multiple leagues each week, with teams that often included his brothers and, at one time or another, all of his children, two sons-in-law, and his grandson Ben this year. Over the years, Michael achieved 13 perfect 300-games, three 800-pin series, and dozens of league championships. He also taught bowling to anyone who asked and could often be heard giving advice like, "Hit the damn head-pin!" or "Don't leave anything you can't make!"
The only game Michael loved as much as bowling was golf. As soon as the weather allowed, he was packing the clubs into the car, making tee times, and recruiting family and friends to join him on the golf course, most often Blackheath in Rochester. Michael, his best friend Hal, and son-in-law Brett looked forward every year to their August trek to West Branch, Michigan, to play rounds at The Nightmare and The Dream.
If not bowling, golfing, or camping, Michael looked forward to fishing with his sons, grandsons, good friends, and sons-in-law. He was also fanatical about playing Facebook games like Slotomania, even insisting that someone continue collecting his half-hourly bonuses when he was taken to the hospital for chest pains this past December. Michael loved life, and worked to make it entertaining for himself and everyone who knew him.
Family and friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Sunday, February 5th, 12-5pm. A Memorial Service will be held at Starr Presbyterian Church, 1717 W 13 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, Monday, February 6th at 11am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10:30am.
In keeping with Michael's practice of bowling in fundraisers for family and friends for every charitable cause imaginable, donations can be made in Michael's name to the organization of the donor's choosing.
