Michael Orlen Bennett

Michael (Mike) Orlen Bennett passed away on January 20, 2023, after a two-and-a-half-year battle with lymphoma. He was born on November 5, 1954, in Preston, Idaho, to Lloyd Orlen Bennett and Venice Elaine Miles. He received his GED in his junior year of high school to join the Navy toward the end of the Vietnam War. He received an early honorable discharge due to family hardship reasons. He later attended Ricks College, where he decided to go on a mission for The Church of Jesus of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Colorado Denver mission. Upon returning from his mission, he attended Idaho State University, majoring in Physical Education. He later re-enlisted in the Army National Guard and also the Air National Guard.

Mike married Teresa Bennett for time and all eternity on May 15, 1981, in the Idaho Falls Temple. They made their home in Pocatello, Idaho, until 1985, when they moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho. Then in 1987, they were transferred to Boise, Idaho, where they have made their home since. Mike served in a variety of leadership and teaching roles with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He especially enjoyed serving as a counselor in the Elder’s Quorum with responsibility over Meadow Lake Retirement Village.

Mike’s greatest joy was spending time with his children and wife, as he loved his family very much. He would often remark, whenever all three children are together, you can be sure there will be lots of laughter. He enjoyed his time in the military. He took a lot of pride in serving his country. Mike also loved building things. He was a master of re-using materials to create something new. He also loved learning. Mike was always trying to learn new skills or educate his mind. He had a thirst for knowledge.

He is survived by his wife; three children, Christopher Bennett of Boise, Idaho, Adam Bennett of Austin, Texas, and Hayley Bennett and Bryan Buckley of Boise, Idaho; brothers Nyle (Karma) Bennett of Blanding, Utah, Brian (Melissa) Bennett of Goldendale, Washington, and sister, Vanessa (Che) Ladiges of Goldendale, Washington; a stepsister, Lori Larsen; a stepbrother, Craig Davis; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Helen Bowler Bennett; brothers Steven Bennett and Toni Bennett; sister-in-law Karma Bennett, and sister-in-law Julie Gunter.

The family will welcome friends and family by hosting a viewing to be held at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel at 11918 West Ustick Road in Boise, on January 26, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm immediately following the viewing. Interment will be at the Meridian Cemetery, 895 E. Franklin Road, Meridian, Idaho following the funeral services.