Russell D. Bennett | 1924-2022
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Sep 7, 2022 | 10:38 AM / 375 views
Russell D. Bennett age 98, of Selby, SD died September 5, 2022 at the Walworth County Care Center, Selby. He was born May 25, 1924 to Fay and Edna Bennett of Wessington Springs, SD. He graduated from Wessington Springs High School in 1943, he began his military career with serving in the U.S. Navy in WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Cuban Crisis. He was also in the National Guard for 21 years. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Russell married Velma Cosby, Wessington Springs, in 1944, whom he later divorced. They owned and operated a farm in Wessington Springs before locating to Selby, SD in 1960, where he was employed as a technician for the Soil Conservation Service. After 10yrs, he moved to Huron and worked with the State SCS, then later to Lake Andes and Vermillion. With retiring in 1985, Russell located in Quartzsite, AZ and then in Yuma, AZ. Besides coming to visit family in SD during the summer, he lived in Arizona full time. He loved coming to the Thorstenson ranch to help with the farming, and especially cattle work involving riding horses. And even more important to see his family. He also enjoyed fishing on the Oahe river during those visits. The Trip from Az to SD, with his motor home, became difficult for he and his significant other, Maggie, so they left it up to the family to visit them in Arizona. Bill and Paula happily made the trip annually, in the winter, to Yuma for many years to visit.
In Nov. of 2017, Russell was moved from Arizona to Herreid Good Samaritan Society, Herreid, SD. Later in 2019, he made his last move to Walworth County Care Center, Selby SD.
Survivors include daughters Paula (William) Thorstenson, Selby, S.D., Diane Bennett, Madison, S.D. Grandchildren Beth (Richard) Fiedler, Selby, Darin (Danielle) Thorstenson, Selby, Tate (Michaela) Thorstenson, Tea, SD, Michael (Jaime) Bennett, Murrieta, CA., John (Chrissy) Bennett San Marcos, CA. Melissa (Terry) Chroub, CO. Joshua Bennett, AZ. Great Grandchildren, Brady (Hannah) Fiedler, Selby, Collin Fiedler, Selby, Rachel Fiedler, Selby, Gracin, Landri, Haven Thorstenson, Selby, Miah, Micah and Noah Thorstenson, Tea, Ryder and Kiera Bennett, Murrieta, CA. Brother Jerry (Arliss) Bennett, Wessington Springs, SD, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Fay and Edna, infant son David, sons Steven in 2013, Jack in 2014 and former wife and mother of his children, Velma in 2014. His significant other Marquerite VanLovan of 28yrs., in 2017.
There will be a private committal at The Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD, with Military Honors on September 23, 2022.