Obituary of Edward W. Bennewise

EDWARD "BUTCH" W. BENNEWISE Edward "Butch" W. Bennewise, 68, passed away peacefully, Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, in Duluth. Lifelong Duluth resident, he was born March 26, 1948, to Hazel and Willard Bennewise. Edward was a double Purple Heart recipient Vietnam Veteran who remained active with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), selflessly volunteering countless hours for veterans throughout Minnesota. He was a proud member of the Northland Vietnam Veterans Assn (NVVA), participating in numerous events and programs, including giving talks at schools and universities. Butch was among the group that worked with Congressman Oberstar to bring the Duluth Vet Center into reality, and with other vets was instrumental in the creation of the Vietnam War Memorial on the Lakewalk. He was a member of The POW/MIA Cage Honor Guard, participating in parades, ceremonies, and memorial services. Butch worked for Clyde Iron, loved to smoke Thanksgiving turkeys to bring to the less fortunate, and collected toys for children who would otherwise go without at Christmas. Butch was an avid hunter and fisherman as well as agate collector. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Deborah Ramos; and his grandparents, Bennewise and Marcotte. He is survived by sister, Bonita (Bob) Drummond; nephew, Tom Turk; nieces, Tonya (Ben) Jayston and Angela (Pey) Roan; aunt, Agnes Bennewise; cousin, Charlotte Peebles; special friend, Judy Nichols; and his many Veteran friends, far too many to name individually. VISITATION: 2 p.m. until the 3 p.m. memorial service Saturday, Oct. 8, in the Cremation Society of Minnesota Chapel, 4100 Grand Ave. 218-624-5200. Honors will be presented by the Duluth Honor Guard. A memorial gathering in Butch's honor will be held at the American Legion Post 71, 5814 Grand Ave, Duluth, from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorials may be sent to MACV, 5209 Ramsey St., Duluth, MN 55807.