William Gene "Bill" Bennett

William Gene Bennett, 78, of Mitchell, South Dakota, passed away on March 5, 2026, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 23, 1947, in Mitchell, Bill grew up in Alexandria with his sister Linda and brother Barry, raised by their mother, Cecelia Bennett. He married Constance Jean Zens on June 4, 1966, and together they raised three children, Wanda, John, and Brenda, while living in Farmer, Lyons, Nebraska, and Alexandria before retiring to Mitchell.

A hardworking man throughout his life, Bill held various jobs, including at Spencer Quarry, Farmer School, Mitchell Rendering, the City of Alexandria, and finally retiring from Toshiba America. He faced serious health challenges with courage, surviving cancer in 1988 and undergoing quadruple bypass surgery in 1999, yet he continued to embrace life fully afterward.

Bill was known for his playful spirit and warm heart. He loved shooting fireworks with his grandchildren, kept a candy jar filled with treats for the little ones, and was famous for his denture-related pranks. After moving to Mitchell, he enjoyed coffee groups, playing cards, and regularly visiting old friends in Alexandria. He greeted everyone with a smile and made all feel welcome.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; children Wanda Still, John (Deanna) Bennett, and Brenda (Dan) Rew; grandchildren Alex (Megan) Bennett, Zachary (Madie) Bennett, Ellie (Joe) Prohaska, Nick Bennett, and Isaac (Mandy) Rew; great-grandchildren Mac and Mazie Bennett and Clara Prohaska; siblings Linda Hanna and Barry Bennett; and many beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews who held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cecelia; in-laws Raymond and Anna Marie Zens; son-in-law Glen Still; sister-in-law Tina Bennett; and brother-in-law Donnie Hanna.