Friday, April 26, 2024
Michael Edward (Mike) Bennett
December 8, 1958 – August 28, 2023
Michael Bennett, 64, went to be with Jesus on August 28, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Michael was born on December 8, 1958, to Richard and Nancy Bennett in Glendale, CA. He was the middle child of five. Michael moved to Washington State at the age of four with his mother and two youngest sisters.
After graduation from Leavenworth High School, he enlisted in the United States Army serving as an M.P. in Korea and the U.S. After his return to the valley in 1980 he worked at the Edelweiss Restaurant for numerous years. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Deanna. They were married on September 8, 1984, in Leavenworth. He then found his career as a chemical sales and service technician from 1988 until his death. He was loved and relied upon by his loyal customers throughout Eastern Washington.
Michael and Deanna made their home in Cashmere and had a lot of love and joy with the family and friends that they met along the way.
Michael was a fun-loving man, very creative, and loved to laugh. Hours were spent creating wooden treasures in his woodworking shop for his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Michael and Deanna had a passion for golf, and family game nights, and attended each and every activity the children were participating in. They enjoyed traveling and competing in golf tournaments and have especially fond memories of their times together in Palm Springs.
Michael had a tremendous love for God. He and Deanna, along with cousins Bob and Swede formed the Gospel Quartet ‘n’ Faith. Singing in praise of our Lord brought him much joy.
In 2017, Michael and Deanna were asked to be Santa and Mrs. Claus for a local Christmas party. They loved it so much that they continued to appear at numerous places during the holiday season. They became the Official Leavenworth Santa and Mrs. Claus in 2019. There were always candy canes in his pocket year-round. He loved the look on their faces as he reached in and handed one to them. He shared his love and contagious laugh with all.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deanna. Children: Terri (Scott) Haskins; Lisa (Scott) Moore; Tony (Glena) Valentine; Lana Valentine; Tina (Jeff) Telgenhoff. Grandchildren: Todd & Kevin Milne; Karine (Corey) Mish & Matthew Haskins; Cameron & Adam Moore; Zachary Valentine Peirce & Olivia Valentine; Cory & Kyle Janssen and Lane Riggs. Four Great Grandchildren. Mother Nancy Bennett, sisters Peggy (Vic) White and Bonnie Foust. Numerous nephews, nieces, great nieces, and great-nephews.
A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held at the Leavenworth Church of the Nazarene, 111 Ski Hill Drive, Leavenworth, WA 98826 on September 30, 2023, at 1 p.m.
You are invited to view Michael Bennett’s online tribute at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com to share a memory or leave a condolence. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel East Wenatchee and Cashmere.
