Harold D. Bennett, 91, of Lake Summerset, IL passed away on May 9, 2022 at SSM Health Monroe Hospital.
Born September 9, 1930 to Wayne and Kathryn Bennett in Clark County, IL. Mr. Bennett grew up in Robinson, IL and graduated from Robinson Township High School in 1948. He received his college degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and a masters degree from Illinois State University. After college he was employed as a high school coach and teacher for 43 years.
Harold coached multiple sports in Illinois during his 43 years, including basketball, football, soccer and track. He taught at Earlville, Morris, Cary-Grove, Carmi, Newark, Bradley-Bourbonnais and Durand. He compiled more than 500 career basketball wins and was named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2006, Harold was inducted into the Newark Sports Hall of Fame. He is known for starting the strong basketball tradition at Newark which included multiple conference championships, four district championships and two regional crowns. His 1966 team was ranked in the top 20 during the time when Illinois only had a 1-class system. Coach is remembered for his dedication and hard work in mentoring and leading young men towards excellence.
On July 21, 1979 he married Yvonne Oleson and resided at Lake Summerset until his death.
Mr. Bennett is survived by his wife Yvonne; three children Cynthia (Tad) Blonski of Algonquin, IL, Kris Bennett of Geneva, IL and Patrick (Luann) Bennett of St. Jacobs, IL; sister Wanda Goff of Robinson, IL and four grandchildren Trente (Nick) Arens, Andrew Blonski, Grace and Annie Bennett; Great Grandchildren Will and Aubrey Arens; bonus daughter Carol Kubicki, numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael, mother of his children Jean Soderquist Bennett and sister Carol Pringle.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 14, 2022 in Bethany Lutheran Church 16529 West Church Road Brodhead, WI with Pastor Rick Gleason officiating with a visitation to be held prior from 10:00 a.m. until time of ceremony. Burial will be in West Luther Valley Cemetery. A visitation will be held at McCorkle Funeral Home – Durand Chapel 101 W. Main St Durand, IL from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday.
A memorial will be established.
