Daniel H Bennett

Daniel Harry Bennett, peacefully entered his eternal rest on December 11, 2022, at Cottonwood Villa in Ainsworth, NE at 89 years of age. Daniel was born on May 30, 1933 in Grand Island, Nebraska to Harry John Bennett and Barbara Sophia (Coufal) Bennett. Daniel, (known as "Dan" to all he met) grew up in the Sandhills near Rose, NE until he was drafted into the United States Army where he served his country in the Korean War. Upon his discharge, he came back to settle in the Sandhills. He married Rhonda Kay O'Neel and to this union five children were born.
Dan's wandering spirit led him and his family to Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Tetons of Wyoming. After he and Rhonda divorced and some years later, he returned to Nebraska and married Connie Gracey. They lived in Colorado, and the desert mountains of Arizona before coming home again. After Dan and Connie divorced, his travels took him to the Ozark Mountains in Missouri. It wasn’t long after that he realized there is "no place like home," and eventually returned to the Sandhills and the community he loved.
Dan lived out his final two years at Cottonwood Villa, where he was known for his kindness, the sparkle in his eye, and his sense of humor. He maintained his independence with his prize possession, a silver Ford step-side F150. He would often be seen buzzing around town "just for the love of driving." He shared with his grandson that he would "drive to Valentine just to get a cup of coffee" and return home again. He was an old cowboy who loved dogs, horses, and the simple life. His proudest accomplishments in life were his service to his country and his children.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Barbara; former wife and mother of his children, Rhonda; grandsons, Zachary Tyler Nielsen and Jacob Daniel Cizek. He is survived by his children, Danny Gene (Kathy) Bennett of Ainsworth, David (Elena) Bennett of Chicago, IL, Larry Bennett of St. Louis, MO, Lori Nielsen of Prescott, AZ and Veloris (Rich) Juneman of Branson, MO; along with eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Connie along with other family members.
A Private Family Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Rose Hill Cemetery northeast of Rose. Memorials were suggested to the family in Dan’s name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com .