Vern L. Bennett, 78, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2009 at a local long term care facility. He was born on January 16, 1931 in Treasureton, Idaho to Clarence S. and Leah Bennett. He graduated from Preston High School in 1949.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He didn’t see any battle duty, but served his country well stateside. He often joked that he wouldn’t have seen a foreign place if the Army hadn’t sent him to Atlanta, Georgia.

He met Rhoda Butterfield at the Deleta Ball Room in Pocatello in July of 1953. In his words, “it was love at first sight.” They were engaged to be married three weeks later and married for time and eternity on October 1, 1953 in the Logan LDS Temple. They were blessed with three children.

He worked in the automotive industry as a parts manager for over forty years at various local businesses. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending as much time as possible with his family. Most of all, he loved being with his soul mate and eternal partner, Rhoda.

He was a member of the LDS West Stake 9th Ward and was very active in the church. He was ward clerk for many, many years.

He is survived by his wife, Rhoda Butterfield Bennett, of Pocatello; two daughters -- Linda (Murry) Larsen of Pocatello, Idaho; and Kathleen (Larry) Killian of Rigby, Idaho; four grandchildren – Kerry (Shelley) Larsen of Pocatello, Idaho; Patricia Hoggatt of Chubbuck, Idaho, Rachael and Saren Bennett of Chubbuck, Idaho; two great granddaughters, Emma Kate Larsen and Brianna Mae Hoggatt; and a daughter-in-law, Lisa Bennett of Chubbuck, Idaho. His only son, Randy V. Bennett of Chubbuck, Idaho, preceded him in death on August 17th of this year at the young age of 48. Dad missed Randy immensely and I know there was a joyous father/son reunion in Heaven Monday morning.

He is also survived by two brothers Alden (Dee) Bennett, of Bancroft, Idaho; David (Roslynn) Jeppesen, of Phoenix, Arizona; four sisters, Tariessia (Mario) Poletti of Blackfoot, Idaho; Gayle Peck of Chubbuck, Idaho; Georgia Champion of Irwin, Idaho; IvaLou (David) Oliverson of Whitehall, Montana; and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his mother, father, two sisters and four brothers.

Since 2000, Vern and Rhoda participated in the Idaho State University Women’s Basketball Team Adoptive Grandparent Program. Vern loved participating in that great program and he loved his “adoptive granddaughters” almost as much as his real granddaughters. We all knew better than to schedule anything for days when there was a home basketball game.

He will be missed by all who knew him, but we know he will always be with us in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009, at the hour of 2:00 p.m., at the Pocatello West Stake 9th Ward Chapel, 4775 Hawthorne Rd, Chubbuck, ID. A viewing will be held Friday, December 4, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho and also one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Pocatello.

Memorial may be made in Vern’s memory to the Pocatello Senior Citizens Center, 427 N. 6th Ave., Pocatello, Idaho 83201 Arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Online guest book and condolences available at www.cornelisonfh.com.