John Michael Bennett, 78, of Clermont, Iowa died Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at his home. John was born on September 30, 1943 to Ralph and Dolores (Houser) Bennett in Waterloo, Iowa. He graduated from Valley High School in 1962.
On November 21, 1964 John was united in marriage with Jolene Bernard. Two daughters were born to this union. They later divorced. John worked at John Deere in Waterloo for seventeen years and then started TJ’s Pizza in 1980 along with Tim White. After selling TJ’s, John went to work for Horizon’s Transport, delivering buses and motorhomes all over the country. He was a true outdoorsman and adventurer who traveled to every state in the continental US, hiked many miles of the Appalachian Trail, and took many fishing trips to Canada. He was an avid hunter, taking yearly bow-hunting trips throughout the country, including a month-long trip to Alaska where he hunted caribou, mountain goat and black bear. He spent many hours outdoors cutting wood and exploring the local woodlands while hunting for ginseng, mushrooms and goldenseal. When he wasn’t outside enjoying nature he loved to play cards, shoot pool, and visit with family and friends.
Surviving John are his two daughters, Kate (Doug Penna) Bennett of Santa Rosa, California and Mary (Jim) Raatz of Clermont, Iowa; three grandchildren, Andy (Christine) Reierson of Farmersburg, Iowa, Nick Reierson of Elgin, Iowa, and Mitch (Christine) Reierson of West Union, Iowa; two great-granddaughters, Isabelle and Ava Reierson; two sisters, Joyce Schott of Clermont, Iowa and Jane Bennett of West Union, Iowa; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Dolores Bennett; sister, Joann Bennett; twin siblings in infancy; brother-in-law, Sandy Schott; nephew, Michael Schott; and many lifelong friends and hunting buddies.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Clermont, Iowa. Visitation will follow until 6:00 pm after the service.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.