Gerald “Jerry” Dale Bennitt, 70, of LaPorte, IN, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at LaPorte Hospital.
He was born June 22, 1949, in LaPorte to Dale and Edna (Froh) Bennitt.
Jerry graduated from Tri-State University in 1971 with a degree in Engineering. He worked at several operating engineering jobs in the area, including United BlackTop Pavers, DLZ Engineering, and Dye Mechanical, until his retirement. He was most proud of the work that was done at Notre Dame during his time at Dye Mechanical. He was a member of Operating Engineers Union Local 150, Polish Falcons and PNA, all of LaPorte. Jerry enjoyed golfing, car racing, horse racing, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Black Hawks. He especially enjoyed socializing at the clubs with friends.
In June 1968, he married Sherrie Lynn Lenardson. In their union was born a son, Robert Dale Bennitt, who proceeded him in death in 1995; and a daughter, Jennifer Rae Diedrich.
On June 22, 2002, in LaPorte, he married Bonnie Tyree, who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Jennifer (Kenneth) Diedrich of Virginia Beach, VA; stepsons, Jeff (Sarah) Tyree of Cincinnati, OH, and Joe (Stacey) Tyree of Manchester, CT; 4 grandchildren, Kenneth III, Cameron, Emilie and Lauren Diedrich, all of Virginia Beach, VA; and step-grandchildren, Lucy and Owen Tyree of Manchester, CT, and Noah and Amelia Tyree of Cincinnati, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Bennitt; and stepson, Jonathan Tyree.
Per Jerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte. A memorial is planned for family and friends on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Polish Falcons, 216 E. Lincolnway, LaPorte. Please “come as you are” to celebrate the memory of Jerry.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Bonnie Bennitt, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.