Wilbur D. Bennett

Wilbur Pete D. Bennett, 80 of Sioux City passed away on Monday, December 15, 2008 at Indian Hills Nursing and Rehab Center. Funeral services for Pete will be on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sioux City. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. with family present from 6-7 p.m. and a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Summit Township in Rural Spencer, Iowa. Pete was born January 9, 1928 near Garwin, Minnesota, the son of E. Lloyd and Vera A. (Wallis) Bennett. Mr. Bennett moved with his parents and sister to a farm near Greenville, IA in 1933 and attended school in Greenville until the 7th grade. He moved to Spencer, IA in 1940 and graduated from Spencer High School in 1945. He enlisted into the Army in June of 1946 and served with the Occupation Forces in Japan as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division in and around Tokyo. He was honorably discharged in December of 1947. He attended Iowa State University from 1948 until he graduated in March 1951 with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture and Mechanical Arts majoring in Agronomy and Economics. He was married to Charlyn M. Petersen on December 26, 1948 in Spencer, IA. After graduation from ISU, Pete was with the Paullina, IA School District teaching in the Veterans On-Farm Training Program for two years. He and Charlyn moved to Toledo, IA and became associated with a Farm Management Company for three years. In 1956 they moved to Sioux City, IA continuing in the Farm Management, Farm Appraisal and Farm Real Estate business. Later they formed the Siouxland Farm Agency Corporation. He has been President and treasurer for over 38 years and in the business over 50 years. In 1952 Pete was made a Mason of Fulton Lodge #499 in Paullina. He later became a member of Landmark Lodge in Sioux City, Scottish Rite, Sioux City York Rite and Abu Bekr Shrine. He was coronated 33rd degree Inspector General Honorary in 1987. He was the proud recipient of the General Grand Chapter Distinguished Service Award in 1984. In 1974 he served as Illustrious Master of Zadok Council #24. He was active in Sioux City Consistory presiding as Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix and as Master of Kadosh, Consistory. He holds memberships in Cycle Corps, Spencer Area Shrine Club, High Twelve, Royal Order of Jesters where he was Past Director on 1980. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church.. Pete is survived by his wife of 59 years of Sioux City; sister Janice Wachter of Grand Rapids, MI; sister-in-law Donna Herweg of Brewer, ME; brother-in-law Jay Colburn of Plano, TX; brother-in-law Lindell (Jackie) Petersen of Spencer, IA; 9 nieces, 3 nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lillian Colburn, brother Dean Herweg and one nephew.