Earl R. Bennett, Sr.

Earl Russell Bennett, Sr., 93, of Boyne City, Michigan, died Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan, Michigan.

Earl was born on July 19, 1932, in East Jordan, the son of Orvel and Margaret (Papineau) Bennett. He grew up in East Jordan and graduated from East Jordan High School. Earl served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956. He worked many years as a production foreman for Circuit Controls in Harbor Springs and Courters in Boyne City. From 1972 to 1994, Earl took great pride in working in Boyne City Public Schools. He was involved in several community events and projects, including the BCHS Sports Boosters and Boyne Country Antique Auto Club. For many years he also worked at the E and M Standard gas station in Boyne City and enjoyed chatting with everyone that came in.

He married JoAnn Irene Tisron on September 28, 1956, in Boyne City. JoAnn preceded him in death on April 19, 2014. Earl is survived by his three children, Linda (Kenneth) Weller, Susan (James) Rostar, and Earl “Rusty” (Sue) Bennett, Jr.; grandchildren Jason (Sarah) Rostar, Alexander (Danielle) Weller, Aaron (Michelle Katz SO) Rostar, and Ian (Cathy) Weller; six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; brothers Rex (Carol) Bennett and Lyle (Margaret) Bennett.

He is preceded in death by his parents and infant son Jon R. Bennett; siblings Naomi Bennett, Beryl (Mac) McShurley, Paul (Thelma) Bennett, Beverly (Mack) McDonald, and Orveline Buckner.

A memorial service will be held at Stackus Funeral Home on June 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Boyne City. A reception will after at the Boyne City Veteran’s Park Pavilion after the burial. Memorial donations may be directed to Grandvue Medical Care Facility and the Boyne City Senior Center.

Thank you to the entire staff at Grandvue Medical Care Facility, plus Arlene Wilson and Pam Clark for taking such good and loving care of Earl over the last twenty years.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.