Joseph Bennett Obituary

Joseph Howard "Joe" Bennett, age 53, of Maple Rapids, died tragically on July 3, 2025, in an ATV accident near L'Anse, Michigan.
Joe was born on January 17, 1972, in Carson City, Michigan, the son of Robert and Linda Bennett. He grew up in Maple Rapids and graduated from Fulton High School. At the young age of 13, Joe lost his father, Robert, who died in the line of duty while fighting a fire-an experience that deeply shaped Joe's life and fueled his own passion for public service.
For more than thirty-two years, Joe worked at the Meijer Distribution Center in Lansing, where he was known for his hard work, easy laugh, and dedication. He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Maple Rapids Fire Department for over twenty years and was a past member of the Maple Rapids Village Council.
Joe had a big heart and a gift for making people laugh. He loved being outdoors-whether bowhunting from a treestand, trail riding, or simply finding peace in the woods. Baseball was another of Joe's lifelong passions. He played in his youth and later found joy coaching his son Tate's baseball team and his daughter Zoe's softball team. His children were his pride and joy, and he cherished the time spent with them-hunting with Zoe, watching comedy shows with Tate, and sharing laughter with all of them.
He met the love of his life, Angela Dunkel, on a karaoke night at the bar in Perrinton. They were married in Eureka and shared 28½ wonderful years together, building a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Angela; his son, Tate; his daughter, Zoe; his mother, Linda Blemaster and her husband Rich; his sisters, Tammy (Jeff) Hulbert and Jenny (Andy) Leverett; his brother, Joel (Jackie) Blemaster; his in-laws, Gloria and David Dunkel; brother-in-law, Eric (Brandi) Dunkel; nieces and nephews, Samantha Guettler (Joe Lockard), Amber Hulbert, Morgan, Mariah, Maggie and Molly Blemaster, Jace, Blake, and Gage Dunkel; and great-nieces and nephews, Brynleigh, Nyah, Zoey, Jake, Wesley, and Luca. He also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends.
Joe was a sweet and steady presence in the lives of many. To his sister, he was the best brother she could have asked for. To all who knew him, he was someone who gave generously of his time, his laughter, and his heart. He found peace in nature, joy in his family, and purpose in serving his community.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Bennett, in 1985, and grandparents, Harriet Scott and Fern Waggoner.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at the Maple Rapids Community Center, 209 Union St., Maple Rapids, on Friday, July 11, from 1-5PM, with a Memorial Service at 3PM. Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Joe's memory, please consider a donation to help with family expenses or make a donation in his name to the Maple Rapids Fire Department.
For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home at 989-224-4422.