Alphine A. (Peterson) Bennett

Alphine (Peterson) Bennett, 87, of Clarion passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion after fighting a long courageous battle with cancer. Memorial services for Alphine Bennett will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, 420 First Street Northwest in Clarion with Pastor Bill Kem officiating.  There will be no burial at this time. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, 420 First Street Northwest in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Alphine “Al” Annet Peterson was born on January 22, 1930 to Alfred F. and Agnes (Christian) Peterson. She was born and raised on a farm north of Frost, Minnesota with her three siblings. Al graduated from Frost High School in 1947. She pursued a college education from Luther College and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administrations and started teaching business classes in the area. While attending Luther College, she met the love of her life. Alphine was married to Ron Bennett on April 12, 1952 at the Dell Lutheran Church in rural Frost. To this union, 6 children were born. The couple made their home in Clarion where Al and Ron raised their children. Al worked for 28 years taking school photos part-time, but first and foremost, she was Mom. Alphine and Ron enjoyed many years wintering in Arizona, making many close friendships. Alphine was a long-time member of the First Lutheran Church. She enjoyed golfing, reading, cooking, playing Bridge, and hosting many parties. She will be remembered for her strength and fighting spirit. One of her favorite quotes was “never give up”. Alphine is survived by her husband Ron Bennett; her children, Robin (David) Elledge, Susan (Charlie) Harken, Mark (Janeece Dent-Bennett) Bennett, Bill (former wife, Sue) Bennett; her grandchildren, Sena (Mike) Kaufman, Michael (Taryn) Pratt, Carl (Garyn) Harken, BJ (Andrea Freeman) Harken, Travis (Kelly) Bennett, Amy (Chad) Vickers, Andrew Bennett, Jillian Dent, Nathan Dent, Jill Bennett; great-grandchildren, Jaden Kaufman, Kamdyn Pratt, Kage Pratt, Kodeigh Pratt, Aidan Bennett, Rourk Bennett, Derek Vickers, Chase Vickers; brother, Paul Peterson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family friends. Alphine is preceded in death by her parents; son, David; daughter, Cathy; siblings, Burton (Canthy) Peterson, LaVonne (Bob) Volz; sister-in-law, JoAnne Peterson; and step-grandchild, Rachel Dent.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Hospice of Clarion.