Robert H. "Bob" Bennett 1943 - 2018

HANSEN, BENNETT

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/17/2018 at 09:24:00

Sioux City Journal
15 April 2018

Sioux City

Robert H. "Bob" Bennett, 74, of Sioux City, passed away peacefully at his home on ­­Sunday, April 8, 2018, following a two-year courageous battle with cancer.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday in Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Stanly L. Cook officiating. Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Bob was born on Dec. 9, 1943, to Stanley and Elsie (Hansen) Bennett. He grew up in Sioux City and attended Sioux City Public Schools. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960 and served as a Boiler Technician aboard the USS VanCouver (Lpd-2), where he attained the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class (BT-2). Bob was very proud of his service to our country.

After receiving an honorable discharge in 1964, Bob returned to Portland, Ore., and began a long career driving trucks. He returned to Sioux City in 1968 and drove semi-trucks coast to coast and in Canada for local truck lines. Bob then worked in management for Jack and June Nylen, Inc. Although Jack was one of the toughest people to work for, Bob was grateful for being taught so much about business (Thank you, Jack). He then worked as a Transportation Manager for Missouri Basin Construction.

Bob then became an over-the-road salesman for Specialized Hauling, opening new accounts. Bob eventually purchased his own semi-truck and drove for several more years. Bob owned and operated several other businesses in Sioux City, including Bennett’s Wooden Shoe Florist (the first flower shop to have helium balloons) and Buy Rite Auto Sales. Bob eventually opened Dalton’s Pub and 4th Street Café, which he operated for more than 17 years. Dalton’s Pub was the first small business in Sioux City to have an ATM machine. Bob was very grateful for his many employees and friends over the years.

Bob is survived by his partner, Karen Balstad of Sioux City; six sons, Robert (Nikkie), Roy, Dennis (Amy), Chad (Melissa), all of Portland, Ore., Joseph (Jessica) and Jacob of Sioux City; a daughter, Kristene (Joe) Cortez, of Portland; and a sister, Karen Wingert of Sioux City; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Patrick; and a sister, Nancy Mason.

Bob wanted to thank Dr. Kipp and his staff, as well as the chemo nurses and staff at June Nylen Cancer Center. Bob will be missed by everyone who knew him.