Gabriel Bennetts

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Gabriel Bennetts, 90, of Traverse City, passed away Saturday, Jan. 14, 2018, at Birchwood Nursing Home.

Gabe was born Aug. 31, 1927 in Ironwood, to the late Thomas and Bertha Bennetts. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served until 1949. He was "called back" into service in the USMC in 1950 and was discharged in 1951.

Gabe worked as a meat manager at A & P stores, was a prison guard at the Marquette State Prison, and retired as a meat inspector for the USDA.

On July 11, 1953, he married Joan (Lauzon), who resides in Traverse City.

Gabe and Joan had three sons, Jeff, of Traverse City, Glenn, of Traverse City, and Jim, of Wasilla, Alaska; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister, Kezia Packmeyer, of Hurley, Wis., his wife, Joan, of Traverse City, sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jack and Dick Bennetts, and sisters, Grace Richards Vatter, Mary Hulstrom Abbott and Elizabeth Kellett.

Gabe was an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying hunting and fishing in his younger years. He was a talented wood worker and an amazing meat cutter. He was a strong and determined worker throughout his life and passed those attributes on to his sons.

He was an active member of the American Legion Post #35 in Traverse City.

His family would like to thank the employees at Birchwood Nursing Home for their care and devotion to their parents.

Internment and a memorial luncheon will be held at a later date.

Contributions may be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The family is under the care of Covell Funeral Home. Online remembrances can be made at covellfuneralhomes.com.